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Ilias ILord of the Moldavian Principality in 1432-1433 and 1435-1443
Date of Birth: 20.07.1409
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Ilia I, Ruler of the Moldavian Principality
- Return and Rival Claims
- Association with Stephen II
- Tartar Invasions and Decline
- Fall and Exile
Ilia I, Ruler of the Moldavian Principality
Early Reign and Division of PowerIlia I ascended to the throne of the Moldavian Principality in 1432 after the death of his father, Alexander I the Good. In 1433, a power struggle ensued with his brother, Stephen II. Stephen emerged victorious in the Battle of Loloń, forcing Ilia to flee to Poland.
Return and Rival Claims
In February 1434, Ilia returned with Polish support to reclaim the throne. However, he was defeated by Stephen II in the Battle of Dărmănești. The Moldavian boyars divided their loyalty between Stephen and Ilia, resulting in the division of the country into Upper and Lower Parts in 1435.
Association with Stephen II
In the Battle of Cipereschi on March 8, 1436, Stephen II again defeated Ilia. They subsequently agreed to rule as associated lords, with each governing their respective parts of the land.
Tartar Invasions and Decline
In 1439 and 1440, the Moldavian Principality was ravaged by Tatar invasions. The weak rulers, Ilia and Stephen, proved unable to effectively repel these attacks.
Fall and Exile
Ilia I's protector, King Władysław III of Poland and Hungary, perished in the Battle of Varna. Stephen II ordered Ilia's eyes to be gouged out and exiled him to Poland, where he died.
