 |
Basarab ILord of Wallachia from 1310/1319 to 1352.
Country:
 Romania |
Content:
- Early Life and Origins
- Formation of Wallachia and Hungarian Influence
- Vassal to Rebel
- Alliance with Bulgaria and Victory at Posada
- Independence Challenged and Restoration
Early Life and Origins
Basarab I, born around 1310/1319, is the first ruler of Wallachia for whom historical records provide reliable information. His father, Tocomeriu, remains shrouded in mystery.
Some historians speculate that Tocomeriu succeeded Berbat, mentioned in a charter by Hungarian King Ladislas IV as the successor to Litovoi, a voivode in Argeș and Oltenia. Basarab's name, of Turkic origin, suggests a Cuman ancestry. The first part of his name, "bas," means "reign, suppress," while the second, "aba," is an honorific for "father" or "elder brother."
Formation of Wallachia and Hungarian Influence
In the mid-13th century, voivodeships dependent on the Hungarian kingdom emerged in Wallachia. They later began a struggle for independence. Litovoi, for instance, died fighting the Hungarians in 1277.
During the reign of the Árpád dynasty, Hungary faced a severe political crisis. Simultaneously, the Golden Horde established its power in Northern Black Sea region, fueling the desire of Wallachian voivodes for independence.
Vassal to Rebel
Basarab became a vassal of King Charles Robert, as confirmed by a charter issued on July 26, 1324. He likely gained vassal status in 1321 during a Hungarian military campaign in Banat.
However, in a charter dated June 18, 1325, Charles Robert refers to Basarab as "unfaithful to the royal crown." The charter also mentions a Cuman named Stephen claiming Basarab's forces outnumbered Charles Robert's. The reasons for this shift are unknown.
In 1327, Pope John XXII addressed Basarab as a "Catholic prince" and praised his "war against the infidels." This suggests an alliance with a Catholic state, but further details are lacking.
Alliance with Bulgaria and Victory at Posada
Basarab married his daughter to Ivan Alexander, the future tsar of Bulgaria. Bulgaria was hostile to Hungary at the time. A document from March 27, 1329, lists Basarab among the enemies of the Hungarian king, alongside Bulgarians, Serbs, and Tatars.
In 1330, Basarab participated in a military campaign by Michael I of Bulgaria against the Serbs, ending in a Serbian victory at the Battle of Velbazhd.
King Charles Robert subsequently launched a campaign against Basarab, capturing the Severin Banat. Basarab proposed recognizing the king's sovereignty, paying daily tribute, and providing 7,000 silver marks. The offer was rejected, and Charles Robert invaded Wallachia, reaching Curtea de Argeș.
However, the Hungarian army faced supply difficulties and was forced to retreat to Transylvania without engaging in battle. Near Posada, the Hungarian army encountered a large Wallachian force lying in wait in a narrow valley. After three days of fighting, the Hungarians were utterly defeated on November 12.
The victory at the Battle of Posada effectively made Wallachia independent and elevated its status internationally. The following year, in February 1331, Basarab's son-in-law Ivan Alexander was crowned Bulgarian tsar in Tarnovo. Wallachian forces supported him in his war against Byzantium between 1331 and 1332. Around the same time, Basarab regained the Severin Banat from Hungary.
Independence Challenged and Restoration
Louis I the Great, who succeeded Charles Robert, conducted several military operations against Wallachia between 1343 and 1345, capturing Severin. Basarab's son, Nicholas I Alexander, renewed the vassalage relationship with the Hungarian king.
