Stephen the Great was the lord of Moldavia between 1457 and 1504. He was the son of Bogdan II, reigning for 47 years, the longest reign of medieval times in the Romanian Lands.
He is considered a distinguished personality of Romania's history, endowed with great qualities by a state man, diplomat and military leader. These qualities allowed him to go well over the moments of major crisis generated by the military interventions of neighboring states or by attempts.
During his reign, Moldavia reaches the peak of its state development, knowing a long period of internal stability, economic prosperity and social peace.
During the reign he led over 40 wars or battles, majority being victories. The greatest military success represented the crushing victory in the Battle of Vaslui against a powerful Ottoman army.
Stephen the Great was a great supporter of the culture and the church, building a large number of monasteries and churches in Moldova, Wallachia and Transylvania.
