Famous Romanian Emperors & Kings

Michael I of Romania was the last king of Romania, reigning twice from 1927 to 1930 and again from 1940 to 1947. He faced challenges such as a regency council during his first reign, his father's return to power, and aligning with Nazi Germany. Michael later led a coup against a dictator, declared an alliance with the Allies, and resisted a pro-Soviet government. He was eventually forced to abdicate, leading to exile and efforts to return to Romania post-communism.

Carol I of Romania ruled as Prince from 1866 to 1881 and as King from 1881 to 1914. He was elected Prince after the overthrow of Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Romania was proclaimed independent in 1877 after the Russo-Turkish War. Carol I led Romanian troops in the war and assumed command during the siege of Plevna. He achieved Romanian independence via the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. Carol I improved Romania's industry and infrastructure, but faced scandals and a major peasant revolt in 1907.

Carol II of Romania's professional life was marked by controversy and political turmoil. He became King of Romania in 1930 but faced accusations of lack of duty and desertion from the army during World War I. His reign saw economic challenges, weakening of the parliament, and establishment of a royal dictatorship. He attempted to align Romania with various powers during World War II, ultimately leading to the country losing significant territory. Forced to abdicate in 1940, he spent the rest of his life in exile, attempting unsuccessfully to regain power.

Ferdinand I of Romania was a military leader who rose through the ranks to become a corps general. He became King of Romania in 1914 and ruled during World War I, aligning with the Triple Entente. Following the war, he oversaw the expansion of Romania's territory and was crowned king of "Greater Romania." His reign saw significant societal changes, including agrarian reform and universal suffrage. A dynastic crisis arose when his eldest son renounced the throne, leading to Ferdinand's grandson Michael succeeding him under a regency.

Alexandru Ioan Cuza was the first ruler of the Romanian Principalities, having been elected as prince of both Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859. He played a crucial role in unifying the two states and implementing reforms that modernized Romanian society and state structures. He worked towards gaining recognition for the union from the Ottoman Empire and successfully achieved constitutional and administrative unity between Moldavia and Wallachia in 1862. His reform efforts faced opposition from conservatives and radical liberals, leading to his forced abdication in 1866. Today, he is regarded as a key figure in the foundation of the modern Romanian state and a national hero.

Gordian III became the Roman emperor at a young age and ruled from 238 to 244. Little is known about his early life, but he took on the name of his maternal great grandfather upon becoming emperor. During his reign, he faced challenges such as the Sassanid Empire and Germanic tribes. Gordian III was involved in military campaigns and sought to stabilize the empire. He also worked to improve the economy and administration, although his reign was cut short by his untimely death.

Carinus was appointed Caesar in late 282 and then given the title of Augustus in early 283 by his father, Emperor Carus. He served as co-emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire. However, his professional life was overshadowed by accounts of incompetence and dissolute behavior, as depicted in official records influenced by the propaganda of his rival, Diocletian. Carinus' reign lasted from 283 to 285, marking a tumultuous period in Roman history.

Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, served as Voivode of Wallachia three times between 1448 and 1476/77. He engaged in conflicts with various rivals, including the Ottomans and Transylvanian Saxons, and implemented harsh measures to maintain power, such as impaling captured enemies. Vlad's reputation for cruelty spread throughout Europe, influencing early bestsellers and shaping his historical legacy. His patronymic inspired the iconic literary figure Count Dracula. Vlad met a violent end in battle in 1477.

Milan I of Serbia served as the prince and later king of Serbia during the late 19th century. He held the position of prince from 1868 to 1882, overseeing the country's political and social development. As king from 1882 to 1889, Milan I continued to navigate Serbia's relationships with neighboring states and worked to modernize the country's institutions. His unexpected abdication in 1889 marked a significant transition in Serbian leadership, as he passed the throne to his son, Alexander I of Serbia.

Burebista was a powerful king of the Getae and Dacian tribes who successfully unified the Dacian kingdom and expanded its territories through conquests. He led campaigns that resulted in the destruction of various tribes and the conquest of Greek cities along the Black Sea coast. His support for Pompey in conflict with Caesar ultimately led to his assassination by the Dacian aristocracy. After his death, the empire he built fragmented, leading to a period of defensive Dacian activity until the reign of Decebalus and eventual Roman conquest under Trajan.

Alaric I was the first king of the Visigoths, rising to leadership after initially serving under the Gothic soldier Gainas and later joining the Roman army. He aided Rome in defeating the Franks but received little recognition. Upon the disintegration of the Roman armies, he became king of the Visigoths. Seeking Roman legitimacy, he led his forces against Western Roman regimes, eventually sacking Rome in 410. This event, among others, contributed to the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

Ancus Marcius, the legendary fourth king of Rome, ruled for 24 years after being elected by the assembly of the people following the death of the previous king. He balanced a strategy of waging war like Romulus with a focus on promoting peace and religion like Numa Pompilius. Many Romans believed he was the namesake of the Marcii, a plebeian family. His professional life was characterized by leadership in military campaigns, diplomacy, and the implementation of religious and peaceful initiatives within the Roman kingdom.

Gabriel Bethlen served as Prince of Transylvania and Duke of Opole during the early 17th century. He was briefly the King-elect of Hungary, although he did not rule over the entire kingdom. Bethlen's leadership was marked by his Calvinist beliefs and his alliance with the Ottomans in conflicts against the Habsburgs and their Catholic supporters. He played a significant role in defending his principality and challenging the authority of the Habsburg monarchy in the region.

Sigismund Báthory served as Prince of Transylvania multiple times, facing challenges with regency councils and religious conflicts. His decision to join the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire led to internal strife, but he managed to secure some victories. Despite abdicating in favor of others, he repeatedly returned to Transylvania, facing ongoing turmoil and accusations. His professional life saw him navigating complex political landscapes, dealing with internal and external threats, and ultimately spending time in jail before his death.

Lothair III began his professional life as Duke of Saxony in 1106, later becoming King of Germany in 1125. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Rome in 1133. Throughout his reign, he faced challenges from the Hohenstaufens, particularly Duke Frederick II of Swabia and Duke Conrad of Franconia. Despite these obstacles, he led successful campaigns, including one against the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. Lothair III's professional life was marked by his roles as a duke, king, and ultimately, Holy Roman Emperor.

Matei Basarab was a Wallachian Voivode known for his enlightened rule and achievements. He successfully defended Wallachia from Moldavian incursions and introduced the printing press to the region. He created the first Wallachian code of laws, patronized art and religion, and built numerous churches and monasteries. Basarab's rule marked a significant shift in leadership as a non-related boyar was elected Prince, possibly in response to competition from foreign influences. He aimed for emancipation from Ottoman rule and sought to dominate Moldavia, maintaining a close relationship with Transylvanian ruler George II Rákóczi.

Șerban Cantacuzino served as Prince of Wallachia from 1678 to 1688. During his tenure, he implemented reforms to improve the administration and economy of Wallachia. He focused on strengthening the military and defending the principality against external threats. Cantacuzino also worked to maintain diplomatic relations with neighboring territories and the Ottoman Empire. His leadership was marked by efforts to modernize Wallachia and ensure its stability amidst regional challenges.

Bogdan I, also known as Bogdan the Founder, was the first voivode of Moldavia in the 1360s. He initially led the Vlachs in the Voivodeship of Maramureș in Hungary but became disloyal to King Louis I. Bogdan later moved to Moldavia, where he overthrew the Hungarian vassal ruler and established independence from Hungary. Despite facing retaliation from King Louis I, Bogdan successfully reigned as the independent voivode of Moldavia, marking the principality's transformation into a sovereign Romanian state.

Dragoș, also known as Dragoș Vodă, was the first Voivode of Moldavia in the 14th century. He came from Maramureş and is believed to have founded the Principality of Moldavia by dismounting on the banks of the Moldova River. As the head of a Hungarian march, Dragoș established Baia and Siret, and introduced viticulture with Saxon settlers. Despite not founding a royal dynasty, his reign marked the early development of Moldavia as a principality under Hungarian influence.