What do you think?
Rate this book
Stephen the Great and Balkan Nationalism: Moldova and Eastern European History
The defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans in 1475 at the Battle of Vaslui heralded the beginnings of a historic legacy. The victor became known as Stephen the Great or 'Athleta Christi', Champion of Christ. Perceived as the founder of a Balkan identity, Stephen the Great maintained Moldavia's independence during periods of fierce Ottoman attack between 1457 and 1504. His Christian religious stance meant that, in the eyes of Europe, he had not only defeated a significant territorial threat but had elevated Christianity to a superior level as victors over their Muslim opponents.
This book seeks to unveil the mechanisms behind this legacy, to review the state formations that allowed this national hero to emerge, and to explain the methods that preserve his memory in the region today. By combining the latest historical studies of the anti-Ottoman resistance with new archaeological findings, Jonathan Eagles engages with a fresh approach to the history of the Balkans, and reinvigorates the study of the Ottoman Empire in Europe. This is an important book for those with an interest in medieval history, Balkan history and the Ottomans.
This book seeks to unveil the mechanisms behind this legacy, to review the state formations that allowed this national hero to emerge, and to explain the methods that preserve his memory in the region today. By combining the latest historical studies of the anti-Ottoman resistance with new archaeological findings, Jonathan Eagles engages with a fresh approach to the history of the Balkans, and reinvigorates the study of the Ottoman Empire in Europe. This is an important book for those with an interest in medieval history, Balkan history and the Ottomans.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 21, 2024
“But there was an extreme ruthlessness to in Stephan’s defensive tactics that overwhelmed the Ottoman army. His ‘scorched earth policy’ required the absolute desolation of settlements, farmland and supplies in the areas of the enemy’s advance- to such an extent that it is a testimony to Moldova’s general prosperity during his rule that the indigenous population was able to withstand and recover from the numerous occasions on which such defense was required.” (pg 56).
October 19, 2024
This was a very informative book, it is a good reference of materials related to Ștefan cel Mare and Moldova's history.
p.s. There are a few rough spots in the translations, e.g. "God Olga" is probably incorrectly translated from "Doamna Olga"; or "ești mare și la mormântul tău" became "you are great and this is your grave". It's still a good book.
p.s. There are a few rough spots in the translations, e.g. "God Olga" is probably incorrectly translated from "Doamna Olga"; or "ești mare și la mormântul tău" became "you are great and this is your grave". It's still a good book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews