History of Romania: From Dacians and Dracula to EU Membership

 Explore Romania’s diverse past—from Roman provinces and medieval principalities to communism and European integration.

Romania is a land of layered history, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Situated in southeastern Europe, it has witnessed empires rise and fall, endured decades of totalitarianism, and emerged as a proud member of the European Union. From the ancient Dacians and the influence of the Roman Empire to its unification, communist era, and modern European integration, the history of Romania is both fascinating and complex.

What Was Romania Originally Called?

Before it became known as Romania, the territory was inhabited by the Dacians, a fierce and resourceful people. The Romans conquered Dacia in 106 AD, turning it into a Roman province. Over the centuries, the land was referred to by various names including Dacia, and later, in the medieval era, as the Danubian Principalities—Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania.

These three historical regions played pivotal roles in the Romania history timeline. Eventually, their unification laid the foundation of modern-day Romania.

Early Civilizations and Roman Influence

The earliest civilizations in Romania date back to prehistoric times, with archaeological findings revealing Neolithic cultures. However, the first significant historical chapter began with the Dacians, whose powerful kingdom attracted the attention of the Roman Empire. Under Emperor Trajan, Rome launched a successful campaign in 101–106 AD, turning Dacia into a Roman province.

The Roman legacy left a deep imprint, especially on the Romanian language, which is one of the few Romance languages spoken in Eastern Europe. The history of the Romanian language reveals strong Latin roots mixed with Slavic, Greek, Turkish, Hungarian, and Germanic influences.

The Medieval Period: Principalities and Power Struggles

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region saw invasions by Goths, Huns, Slavs, and Bulgars. The early medieval period led to the formation of the Danubian Principalities—Wallachia, Moldavia, and later, Transylvania.

Key Medieval Figures:

• Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș): A 15th-century ruler of Wallachia known for his brutal tactics against enemies. He inspired the legend of Dracula, making Romania famous in popular culture.

• Stephen the Great of Moldavia: Renowned for defending his realm against the Ottoman Empire.

During this time, Romania's regions faced constant pressure from three major powers: the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire. Each region had different fates—Transylvania became part of Hungary and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while Wallachia and Moldavia fell under Ottoman suzerainty.

The 19th Century: National Awakening and Unification

📌 1859: The Modern Romanian state begins to take shape with the personal union of Moldavia and Wallachia, under the leadership of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

📌 1862: This union is formalized, and the state is named Romania in 1866.

📌 1877–1878: Romania declares independence during the Russo-Turkish War, siding with Russia. The Treaty of Berlin (1878) officially recognizes Romania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.

This period marked the rise of nationalism and set Romania on a path toward full sovereignty. A constitutional monarchy was established with King Carol I, a German prince from the House of Hohenzollern.

Romania in the World Wars

World War I:

Romania joined the Allies in 1916 and, although it suffered significant losses, it gained substantial territory in the Treaty of Trianon (1920), including Transylvania, Bukovina, and Bessarabia. This expansion led to the creation of Greater Romania, the largest territorial extent in its history.

World War II:

Initially aligned with the Axis Powers under Ion Antonescu, Romania later switched sides in 1944, joining the Allies. However, the war left Romania devastated and vulnerable to Soviet influence.

The Communist Era: Romania's Dark History

Following World War II, Romania fell under Soviet influence, and the monarchy was abolished in 1947. Romania was declared a People's Republic, and later, the Socialist Republic of Romania.

Communist Leaders:

• Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej (1947–1965): Introduced Stalinist policies and repressed political opposition.

• Nicolae Ceaușescu (1965–1989): Infamous for his dictatorial rule, personality cult, and disastrous economic policies.

Romania’s dark history includes severe repression, mass surveillance, censorship, and food shortages. The Securitate, Romania’s secret police, was one of the most feared institutions during this time.

The Fall:

In December 1989, after mass protests and violent suppression, Ceaușescu and his wife were captured and executed. This marked the end of communism in Romania and began its transition to democracy.

Transition to Democracy and Market Economy

The 1990s:

The early years after the revolution were marked by political instability and economic hardship. Efforts were made to shift from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy. Privatization, foreign investment, and international aid played major roles in this transformation.

EU and NATO Membership

• 2004: Romania joins NATO, strengthening its geopolitical stance and security.

• 2007: Romania becomes a full member of the European Union (EU), signaling its successful integration into the democratic and economic structure of Europe.

This move boosted Romania’s economy, opened borders, and improved infrastructure and governance. However, corruption and political challenges remain concerns.

Romania Today

Modern Romania is a democratic republic with a growing economy. It has become an attractive destination for tourism, thanks to its medieval towns, scenic landscapes, and the legend of Dracula.

What Is Romania Famous For?

1. Dracula & Transylvania: Inspired by Vlad the Impaler, Dracula made Romania globally known.

2. Castles: Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and Corvin Castle are architectural wonders.

3. Natural Beauty: The Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and Black Sea beaches.

4. Medieval Cities: Sibiu, Brașov, and Sighișoara showcase Romania’s history and charm.

5. Culture & Traditions: Rich folklore, vibrant festivals, and diverse cuisine.

Which Country Colonized Romania?

Romania was not colonized in the traditional sense. However, parts of its territory were influenced and controlled by powerful empires, such as:

• Roman Empire (Dacia)

• Ottoman Empire (Wallachia and Moldavia)

• Austro-Hungarian Empire (Transylvania)

• Russian Empire/Soviet Union (Post-WWII influence)

5 Fascinating Facts About Romania

1. First electrified city in Europe: Timișoara (1884).

2. Home of the world's heaviest building: Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest.

3. Romanian is a Romance language: It shares roots with Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

4. Danube Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe's second-largest river delta.

5. Inventors and Scientists: Romanian-born Henri Coandă was a pioneer of jet propulsion.

History of Romania Timeline (Summary)

Year	Event
106 AD	Roman Empire conquers Dacia
1859	Union of Wallachia and Moldavia
1866	Romania officially named
1877–78	Independence from the Ottoman Empire
1918	Formation of Greater Romania
1947	Monarchy abolished; communist regime established
1989	Communist regime overthrown
2004	Joined NATO
2007	Joined European Union

Short History of Romania (Recap)

Romania's journey began with the Dacians and the Romans, evolved through medieval principalities, and faced foreign domination. It saw unification in the 19th century, expanded post-WWI, and suffered under communism in the 20th century. Today, it is a democratic EU nation with a growing global presence.

Books and Resources for Further Reading

• "A Concise History of Romania" by Keith Hitchins

• "Romania: Borderland of Europe" by Lucian Boia

• "History of Romania – Wikipedia": A detailed overview with sources

• "The History of the Romanian Language": Explore how Latin roots define modern Romanian

Conclusion: Romania’s Resilience and Transformation

The history of Romania is a story of survival, transformation, and national identity. From Dacian warriors and Roman conquerors to royal unification and communist repression, Romania has experienced it all. Today, it stands as a democratic European state, proud of its past and hopeful for its future.

Whether you're exploring the short history of Romania, studying the Romania history timeline, or diving deep into Romania’s dark history, one thing is clear: this Eastern European nation has an extraordinary story to tell.