Danubian principalities

The Danubian Principalities were historical regions in Eastern Europe that eventually formed the basis of modern-day Romania. These principalities, primarily Moldavia and Walachia, were located along the lower Danube River.

Moldavia, founded in the 14th century, was named after the Moldova River. It successfully resisted pressures from Hungary and Poland, but by the mid-16th century, it became an autonomous vassal-state of the Ottoman Empire. Over the next 300 years, Moldavia experienced periods of Turkish domination, Russian influence, and territorial losses to Austria and Russia. In 1859, Moldavia united with Walachia to form Romania.1

Walachia, also a principality on the lower Danube, was founded around 1290. It achieved independence from Hungary in the 14th century but later acknowledged Turkish suzerainty. Like Moldavia, Walachia faced Ottoman control and increasing Russian influence. In 1859, it united with Moldavia to form Romania.2

The Banat, another historic region in Eastern Europe, was also situated near the Danube and bordered Walachia and Transylvania. After World War I, it was divided among Romania, Yugoslavia, and Hungary.3