Dan I of Wallachia facts for kids

Dan I (born 1354 – died September 23, 1386) was a ruler of Wallachia from 1383 to 1386. Wallachia was an old country in what is now Romania. Dan I was the son of Radu I of Wallachia and the half-brother of Mircea the Elder.

Who Was Dan I?

Dan I was an important leader in the history of Wallachia. He took over the rule of the country after his father, Radu I. His time as ruler was short, lasting only three years.

His Time as Ruler

During the 14th century, many rulers in the region tried to expand their lands. Dan I was part of this effort. He likely faced challenges from neighboring countries and empires, such as the Ottoman Empire. Rulers like Dan I often had to make alliances or fight wars to keep their country safe and strong.

How Did Dan I Die?

The exact way Dan I died is not fully known. There are a few different stories about it:

• One historian, Laonikos Chalkokondyles, wrote that Dan I was killed by his half-brother, Mircea I. This might have happened with the help of some important people (called boyars) in Wallachia.
• Another old book, the Anonymous Bulgarian Chronicle, says that Dan I was killed during a war. This war took place between 1384 and 1386. He was fighting against Ivan Shishman, a ruler from Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Ivan Shishman had support from the Ottoman Empire. Dan I might have been trying to help his other half-brother, Ivan Sratsimir, who ruled in Vidin, Bulgaria. Or, he might have simply been trying to expand Wallachia's territory south of the Danube River.

His Family's Legacy

Dan I's family became very important in Wallachian history. His descendants were part of a powerful group called the House of Dăneşti. This was one of two main families that claimed the right to rule Wallachia for many centuries. Both families were related to Basarab I, an earlier ruler. The other main family that wanted to rule was the House of Drăculeşti. These two families often competed for control of Wallachia.