Principatelor

Principatelor refers to the two historic Romanian states of Moldavia (Moldavia) and Wallachia (Valahia) that existed from the medieval period until their unification in the mid-19th century. Collectively, they are known as the Principalities, sharing language, Orthodox faith, and cultural traditions, while often facing Ottoman suzerainty and foreign influence. Their histories are closely intertwined with the broader dynamics of Southeastern Europe and the Ottoman periphery.

Geography and governance: The Principalities occupied the regions roughly corresponding to present-day Moldova and Romania, with Moldavia in the northeast and Wallachia in the south. Each principality was governed by a prince (voivode or domn) confirmed by local elites and, at times, by the Ottoman sultan. The political system combined centralized authority with the influence of aristocratic elites (boyars). Over the centuries, the Principalities developed distinct administrative and legal practices, while pursuing modernization, education, and economic reform.

Union and state-building: In 1859, under a policy of national consolidation, Moldavia and Wallachia elected the same ruler, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, effectively uniting the Principalities into a single political entity known as the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. The new state began to centralize institutions, promote national identity, and implement reforms that laid the groundwork for a modern Romanian state. Independence from the Ottoman Empire was recognized after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, culminating in the Treaty of Berlin (1878). In 1881 the state was proclaimed a Kingdom under Carol I.

Legacy: The Principalitates are regarded as the precursors of modern Romania. Their unification is a foundational moment in Romanian statehood, influencing national identity, language standardization, and subsequent political development in the region.