Language/Romanian/Culture/History-of-Romania
As a Romanian language teacher with 20 years of experience, I believe that learning the language is only part of the journey to fully understanding and appreciating Romania. In this lesson, we will dive into the rich history of Romania, including its rulers, wars, and cultural heritage. Through this lesson, you will gain a deeper understanding of what has shaped this beautiful country and its people into what they are today.
Early History
Romania's history dates back to prehistoric times when the territory was inhabited by various tribes. The area was conquered by the Roman Empire in 106 AD, and hence derives its name from the Latin word "Romanus," which means "citizen of Rome." The Romans developed many of the cities that still exist in modern-day Romania, such as Alba Iulia, Sarmizegetusa Regia, and Cluj-Napoca.
The Roman Empire's rule in Romania ended in the 3rd century AD, and the territory was invaded by Goths, Huns, Avars, and Slavs. Romania was united in the late 9th and early 10th centuries by the ruler of Wallachia, called "Voievod" in Romanian. The kingdom of Romania was finally established in the 14th century under the rule of Basarab I, and it included the regions of Muntenia, Oltenia, and Dobrogea.
Medieval Period
During the Middle Ages, Romania was affected by numerous wars, including the Mongol invasion and the Ottoman Empire's expansion in the Balkans. The battle of Vaslui in 1475 marks the first major victory for the Romanian army against the Ottoman Empire. The 16th century also saw the emergence of powerful rulers such as Michael the Brave, who succeeded in uniting all three principalities of Romania: Wallachia, Moldova, and Transylvania.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Romania aligned with the Habsburg Empire as the region came under Ottoman and Russian domination. In 1859, Wallachia and Moldova united to form the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. Romania became an independent state in 1878, after the end of the Russo-Turkish War, and gained recognition as a kingdom in 1881.
World War I and II
During World War I, Romania joined the Entente Powers, marking the beginning of the country's involvement in the war. In 1916, Romania declared war on Austria-Hungary, but was ultimately defeated with more than 300,000 Romanian casualties. The Treaty of Versailles awarded Romania additional territories in Transylvania and Bessarabia, which it had lost earlier to Russia.
In World War II, Romania joined the Axis Powers alongside the Nazis in 1941. The country was targeted by Allied forces, which resulted in significant damage and civilian casualties. Romania also faced intense fighting between Germans and Soviet forces. Romania switched its allegiance to the Allies in 1944, shortly before the war ended.
Communist Rule
After World War II, Romania became a socialist republic under Soviet influence. The Communist regime was led by Nicolae Ceaușescu, who controlled the country through oppressive policies and propaganda. The regime was known for censorship, political repression, and human rights violations. In December 1989, Ceaușescu's regime was toppled in the Romanian Revolution, which led to the establishment of a democratic government.
Cultural Heritage
Romania is a country rich in cultural heritage, with a wide range of influences from its diverse history. The country has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including painted monasteries in Bucovina, the fortified churches of Transylvania, and the ancient Dacian fortresses of the Orastie Mountains. Romania is also famous for its traditions, such as folk art, music, and dance. The country has produced many famous artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers, including sculptor Constantin Brancusi, writer Mircea Eliade, and composer George Enescu.
Vocabulary
Here are some essential vocabulary words related to Romanian history:
| Romanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| triburi | tree-boo-ree | tribes |
| Imperiul Roman | im-pe-ree-ool ro-man | Roman Empire |
| invazie | een-vah-zee-ye | invasion |
| Oltenia | ol-te-nyah | Oltenia |
| Muntenia | moon-te-nyah | Muntenia |
| Moldova | mol-do-vah | Moldova |
| independență | een-de-pen-den-tsa | independence |
| Republica Socialistă | re-public-ka so-ch'a-lista | Socialist Republic |
| cenzură | chen-zoo-ruh | censorship |
Sources
Related Lessons
- Intercultural Communication in Romanian
- Geography and Landmarks
- Romanian Folklore and Music
- Cuisine and Customs
- Moldova Timeline
- Romania Timeline
- Romanian Language and Dialects
- Social Issues and Diversity
- Media and Entertainment