Wallachia

views updated Jun 27 2018

Wallachia (Walachia, Valahia) Historic region in Romania, formerly the principality between the River Danube and the Transylvanian Alps. It is said to have been established (1290) by Ralph the Black, vassal of the King of Hungary, from whom the region secured temporary independence in 1330. It gradually came under the domination of the Turks, whose suzerainty was acknowledged in 1417. Wallachia and Moldavia became Protectorates of Russia under the Treaty of Adrianople (1829) and by their union formed the state of Romania in 1859. An important agricultural region, it has been developed industrially since World War 2. Industries: chemicals, heavy machinery. Area: 76,599sq km (29,575sq mi).

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