Bogdan the Founder

Bogdan the Founder, known in Romanian as Bogdan Întemeietorul, emerged as a pivotal figure in the history of Moldavia during the 1360s. Initially, he held the title of voivode, or head, of the Vlachs in the Voivodeship of Maramureș, which was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. His first recorded mention dates back to the year one thousand three hundred forty-three, where he was noted as a former voivode who had turned against Louis I of Hungary.

In one thousand three hundred forty-nine, Bogdan made a bold move by invading the lands of a loyal Vlach landowner, showcasing his ambition and desire for power. By one thousand three hundred fifty-three, he was again referenced as voivode in a charter, marking the last known record of his activities in Maramureș before his significant transition to Moldavia.

Between one thousand three hundred fifty-nine and one thousand three hundred sixty-five, Bogdan and his loyal retainers departed from Maramureș to Moldavia, a region that had been under the control of Sas of Moldavia, a vassal to Louis I. The local Bulgarian population opposed the Hungarian rule, creating an opportunity for Bogdan to assert his authority. He successfully expelled Sas's son, Balc, from the throne, thereby claiming the title of the first independent voivode of Moldavia.

In response to his actions, Louis I retaliated by confiscating Bogdan's estates in Maramureș in one thousand three hundred sixty-five. Nevertheless, Bogdan's reign marked a significant turning point, as he refused to acknowledge the overlordship of Louis I, ultimately transforming Moldavia into the second independent Romanian principality.