Ștefan cel Mare, also known as Ștefan III or, after canonization, Saint Ștefan the Great, is one of the most remarkable figures in Romanian history. Born around 1438 or 1439 in Borzești, Bacău County, he was the illegitimate son of ruler Bogdan II and Oltea, belonging to the Mușatin dynasty, one of the most important ruling families in Moldova. 

Childhood and origins of a legendary figure

His father was also an illegitimate son of Alexandru cel Bun, while his mother came from a noble family in the Bacău area. Ștefan had three brothers—Ioa­chim, Ion, and Crâstea—and two sisters, Maria and Sora, growing up in an environment marked by both power and political instability.

His childhood was traumatic, shaped by violence, political unrest, and civil wars for the Moldovan throne. Ștefan witnessed the assassination of his father and, according to legend, even the killing of his closest friend. 

During this period, he received a strict education and was trained from an early age in the art of war, preparing to become a military leader and ruler. It is believed that the young Ștefan was sent to the monks of Mount Athos, at the Zograf Monastery, where he learned reading, writing, Greek, and Christian teachings. This education later explains the ruler’s deep devotion and constant support for the Orthodox Church.

Rise to the Moldovan throne

After his time at the monastery, Ștefan returned to his father and continued his military training, quickly demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities. 

He is mentioned in documents from 1450 and 1451, when his father called him "my beloved son" and requested military support in alliances with John Hunyadi, Governor of Hungary.

The most traumatic moment of his childhood was the assassination of his father, Bogdan II, by his half-brother Petru Aron. 

On the night of October 14–15, 1451, Bogdan II was killed during a feast in Reuseni, and the family had to flee into exile, first to Transylvania with John Hunyadi and then to Wallachia with Vlad Țepeș. This experience was essential in shaping Ștefan into a fearless and skilled leader.

Returning to Moldova with military support from Wallachia, Ștefan led an army of about 6,000 soldiers and defeated Petru Aron at Doljești and Orbic, establishing his authority on the throne. His official coronation took place in a grand ceremony at Direptate, near Suceava’s Princely Court, marking the beginning of his reign.

Glorious reign and legendary battles

Ștefan cel Mare ruled Moldova for 47 years, from 1457 to 1504, the longest reign in the medieval period of the Romanian principalities. During this time, he fought 36 battles, winning 34 of them, often against numerically superior enemies. 

The victory at Vaslui in 1475, also known as the Battle of Podul Înalt, remains one of his most outstanding achievements, where his 40,000-strong army defeated an Ottoman force of 120,000 soldiers and 17,000 Wallachians.

Other notable battles include Războieni (1476), the first siege of Chilia Fortress (1462), and Codrii Cosminului (1497), where he defeated Polish forces led by King John Albert. Even his defeats, such as at Valea Albă, demonstrated his courage and perseverance, solidifying his reputation as a strategic and determined leader defending Moldova’s independence.

Personal life and political alliances

Ștefan cel Mare was married three times, each union cementing important political alliances. His first wife, Evdochia Olelkovici, bore him two sons and a daughter. 

His second marriage to Maria de Mangop was a political alliance, while his last wife, Maria Voichița, gave him two children, Bogdan III and Maria, ensuring succession to the throne.

 In addition, he reportedly had several concubines who bore him illegitimate children, the most notable being Maria Rareș and Ștefan Lăcustă.

Cultural and religious contributions

Beyond his military talent, Ștefan cel Mare was a great supporter of the Orthodox Church and culture. He built or restored around 40 monasteries and churches, including Putna Monastery, where he is buried, Voroneț Monastery, famous for its unique blue color and the Last Judgment fresco, St. Nicholas Church in Dorohoi, Neamț Monastery, and Sucevița Monastery. Many of these sacred sites are today part of UNESCO’s heritage and continue to attract visitors from around the world.

His devotion to religion and culture was officially recognized with his canonization in 1992, when he was declared Saint Voivode Ștefan cel Mare.

Portrait of a leader

Chronicler Grigore Ureche described him as “not tall in stature, angry, and quick to shed innocent blood,” yet surviving votive portraits and documents show a man of medium to small stature, approximately 1.60 meters tall, with long hair, a short beard, and a severe countenance. 

Despite his modest height, Ștefan had an authoritative presence and strong personality, characterized by courage, determination, and exceptional military skill. As he aged, he tempered his anger and pride, becoming a wise and balanced leader.

Ștefan cel Mare’s reign is considered one of the most glorious periods in Moldovan history and the medieval history of the Romanian principalities. He maintained Moldova’s independence against the Ottoman Empire, consolidated the state, and left a remarkable religious and cultural legacy. The sacred sites he founded remain symbols of national identity and resilience against invaders.

Today, his name is preserved in boulevards, streets, and institutions, recognized as a model of military strategy, wise governance, and religious devotion. Ștefan cel Mare remains not only an emblematic figure of Moldova but also a symbol of courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of the Romanian people, inspiring generations through his deeds and lasting legacy.

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