Moldova: A Brief History of Europe’s Smallest Country
Moldova is a small country located in Eastern Europe, between Romania and Ukraine. It has a population of around 3.5 million people, making it the second smallest country in Europe after Vatican City. Moldova has a rich and complex history, having been ruled by various empires and nations throughout its history. This article will provide a brief overview of Moldova’s history, from its early days to the present day.
Early History
The earliest known inhabitants of what is now Moldova were the Cucuteni-Trypillian culture, which existed from around 5500 BC to 2750 BC. This was followed by the Dacians, a Thracian people who inhabited the region from around the 5th century BC to the 2nd century AD. The Dacians were eventually conquered by the Romans, who then ruled the region until the 5th century AD.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the region was ruled by the Principality of Moldavia, which was founded in the 14th century and lasted until 1859. During this period, the region was influenced by both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. In 1538, Moldavia became a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire, and remained under Ottoman rule until 1812.
Modern History
In 1812, the region was annexed by the Russian Empire, and remained under Russian rule until the Russian Revolution of 1917. After the Revolution, the region became part of the newly formed Soviet Union. In 1940, the Soviet Union annexed the region of Bessarabia, which had previously been part of Romania, and incorporated it into the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
The region remained part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. Following the collapse, Moldova declared its independence, and has been an independent nation ever since.
Conclusion
Moldova is a small, but historically significant, nation in Eastern Europe. Throughout its history, it has been ruled by various empires and nations, including the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. In 1991, it declared its independence, and has remained an independent nation ever since.