How did the medieval principality of Moldavia begin in the 14th century?

The medieval principality of Moldavia was established in the first half of the 14th century by a group of Vlachs. Led by Dragoș, these settlers emigrated eastward from Maramureș in the Carpathian Mountains, which were then under Hungarian control.1

The region achieved formal independence around 1349 under the leadership of Prince Bogdan. Following its formation, the new principality successfully resisted political and military pressures from both Hungary and Poland to maintain its sovereignty.1