Dacia (Principia Moderni III Map Game)

The Principality of Wallachia, proudly ruled by its Voivode and Boyar council, sits along the north bank of the mighty Danube, and west of the fierce Black Sea. The state serves as a buffer state between the Ottoman Empire and Eastern Europe. The Voivode Is determined to maintain the independence of his nation and prevent the subjugation of his people by foreign powers.

History
Wallachia's history as a country is very short, only completely independent for roughly 70 years by 1400. However, the western half had been part of the Roman Empire many years before, and then was heavily influenced by the Byzantines. During the age of Migrations before Rome fell the area was occupied by the Goths and Sarmatians, who conducted much trade with the Romans. Later the area was part of the First Bulgarian Empire and then fell under Pecheneg rule until 1091 when the Cumans defeated them. After this a period of unorganization and minor voivodiates dominated by the Kingdom of Hungary followed until 1241 and the Mongolian invasion, during which a direct mongol rule is probable but not known to be true. Then in 1272 a record shows that Litovio, a powerful local ruler in Wallachia refused to pay tribute to the king, after this Hungarian hold over Wallachia falters, until 1330 when Basarab I defeated Charles I of Hungary.

Useful links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:History_of_Wallachia

http://romerica.com/rom/hist_emp_ad1400_ov.htm#h4Boost

1400-1450
The principality led by Prince Mircea I grew in economic power substantially, acquiring a large share of the Black Sea trade. The principality of Moldavia was vassalized after a short war with the poles, and was in 1421 incorporated into Wallachia, creating the United Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. After the death of Mircea I his son Micheal succeeded him on the throne, consolidating power among the now united principalities, and continuing the massive economic development started by his father. The navy was also built-up to 30 ships by 1427 and The army began to use firearms for the first time after years of development.

List of Rulers
Micea I 1397-1418

Miceal I 1418-14

Allies:
The Kingdom of Hungary, The Principality of Muskovy

Wary of:
The Ottoman Empire

Friendly:
The Roman Empire, Georgia

Economy
Several larger towns support a thriving trade network dominated by German merchants, who bring many goods from the rest of Europe in exchange for expensive salt.

Major Exports: Salt, Agricultural Products, Iron

Imports: luxuries, some metals

Social
There are several major distinctions between Wallachia peasants and western European serfs, most notably that all Wallachia peasants were originally free persons, however there are some serfs. Also the nobility of Wallachia, its Boyars, have a much greater amount of power compared to their western counterparts resulting in a more decentralized system of government.

Military
Wartime Army: 40,000-55,000

Peacetime Army: <5,000