Wallachia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Principality of Wallachia Wallachia (Ţara Românească)
1317–1862
Flag Coat of arms
Capital	Câmpulung, Curtea de Argeş, Târgovişte, Bucureşti
Common languages	Romanian (commonly used, later official), Church Slavonic (in early official use)
Government	Principality
Princes of Wallachia (Voivodes, Hospodars)
• 1310-1352	Basarab I - the first
• 1859-1862	Alexander John Cuza - the last
History
• Basarab I unifies the small voivodships in Wallachia	1317
• De Jure Union of the Danubian Principalities	1862
Succeeded by Romanian Principalities

Wallachia (also known as Ţara Românească, meaning "The Romanian Land") is a historical region in what is now Romania. It is split into two main parts: Muntenia (Greater Wallachia) and Oltenia (Lesser Wallachia). This area was once an important independent country called the Principality of Wallachia. It existed for over 500 years, from the early 1300s until 1862.

What Was Wallachia?

Wallachia was a principality, which is like a small kingdom ruled by a prince or "voivode." It was located north of the Danube River and south of the Carpathian Mountains. This location was very important for trade and defense. The land was fertile, good for farming, and had forests and rivers.

How Did Wallachia Begin?

Before Wallachia became a united country, there were many smaller areas ruled by local leaders. These areas were called "voivodships." Around 1310, a strong leader named Basarab I started to bring these smaller areas together. He is known as the founder of Wallachia. He successfully fought against the Kingdom of Hungary to make Wallachia truly independent.

Who Was Basarab I?

Basarab I was the first official Prince of Wallachia. He ruled from about 1310 to 1352. His most famous victory was the Battle of Posada in 1330. In this battle, his smaller army defeated the much larger Hungarian army. This win secured Wallachia's independence and showed that it was a strong new state.

The Battle of Posada in the Chronicon Pictum

Life in Medieval Wallachia

Life in Wallachia during the Middle Ages was mostly about farming. Most people lived in villages and worked the land. There were also important towns that grew because of trade. The main language spoken was an early form of Romanian. The official language for church and government was Church Slavonic.

What Was the Government Like?

Wallachia was ruled by a prince, or "voivode," who had a lot of power. The prince was chosen by a council of important nobles called "boyars." Sometimes, the position of prince was passed down in families. The boyars also helped the prince govern the country.

Important Cities and Capitals

Wallachia had several capital cities over its history. The first capitals were Câmpulung and Curtea de Argeş. Later, Târgovişte became the capital and was a very important center. Finally, Bucureşti became the capital and grew into the large city it is today.

Chindia Tower in Târgoviște

Wallachia and the Ottoman Empire

For many centuries, Wallachia faced a big challenge: the powerful Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were expanding their empire and wanted to control Wallachia. Wallachia often had to pay tribute (money or goods) to the Ottomans to keep its independence.

Who Was Vlad the Impaler?

One of the most famous (and feared) princes of Wallachia was Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Ţepeş). He ruled in the 15th century and was known for his harsh methods against enemies, especially the Ottomans. He became a legend and is sometimes linked to the story of Dracula. Vlad fought hard to keep Wallachia free from Ottoman control.

Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Ţepeş), Voivode of Wallachia

Poienari Castle, one of the royal seats of Vlad III Dracul

Michael the Brave and Unification

In the late 16th century, another important prince, Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul), tried to unite Wallachia with the neighboring regions of Moldavia and Transylvania. For a short time around 1600, he managed to bring these three Romanian lands under his rule. This was a very significant moment in Romanian history, even though the union did not last long.

Wallachia (highlighted in green) towards the end of the 16th century

Fighting between Michael the Brave and the Ottomans in Giurgiu, 1595

The End of Wallachia as a Separate State

Over time, Wallachia, along with Moldavia, became more influenced by the Ottoman Empire and later by Russia. In the 19th century, there was a strong desire among Romanians to unite and form one country.

How Did Wallachia Join Romania?

In 1859, both Wallachia and Moldavia elected the same person, Alexander John Cuza, as their prince. This was a big step towards unification. In 1862, the two principalities officially merged to form the United Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. This new country was the beginning of modern-day Romania. Alexander John Cuza became the first ruler of this united land.

Wallachia (in green), after the Treaty of Paris (1856)

Wallachia's Ad hoc Divan in 1857

Wallachia Today

Today, Wallachia is not a separate country but a historical region within Romania. Its history, traditions, and famous leaders like Basarab I and Vlad the Impaler are an important part of Romania's national identity. Many cities in Wallachia, like Bucharest, continue to be major centers in Romania.

The present-day counties comprising Wallachia

Images for kids

• 

  Bulgaria after the territorial expansion under Krum, Omurtag and Presian

• 

  The seal of Voivode Mircea I of Wallachia from 1390, depicting the coat of arms of Wallachia

• 

  The territorial extent of the Second Bulgarian Empire under the reign of Ivan Asen II

• 

  Wallachia as pictured in the 1493 Nuremberg Chronicle

• 

  Central and Southeastern Europe (including the Balkan peninsula) from the 15th to the 18th century

• 

  Welcoming of the Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in Bucharest (1789)

• 

  The Principality of Wallachia, 1793–1812, highlighted in green

• 

  The Legislative Assembly of Wallachia in 1837

• 

  1848 revolutionaries carrying an early version of the flag of Romania. The text on the flag can be translated as: "Justice, Brotherhood".

• 

  Territorial extent of the Principality of Wallachia (alongside neighbouring Moldavia and Transylvania) throughout the late Middle Ages

• 

  Wallachia, as shown on a wider map of the Black Sea (mid 16th century)

• 

  The Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia in 1786, as depicted on an Italian map by G. Pittori (after the geographer Giovanni Antonio Rizzi Zannoni)

• 

  F.J.J., von Reilly, Das Furstenthum Walachey, Viena, 1789

• 

  Bucharest

• 

  Craiova

• 

  Ploiești

• 

  Brăila

• 

  Pitești

• 

  Buzău

• 

  Drobeta-Turnu Severin

• 

  Râmnicu Vâlcea

• 

  Târgoviște

• 

  Târgu Jiu

• 

  Călărași

• 

  Giurgiu

• 

  Caracal

• 

  Câmpina

• 

  Râmnicu Sărat

• 

  Calafat

• 

  Câmpulung

• 

  Călimănești

• 

  Curtea de Argeș

• 

  Sinaia

See also

In Spanish: Valaquia para niños