Brancovan, Constantine

Related Category: Romanian History: Biographies

(brän-kōvän´), 1654–1714, prince of Walachia (1688–1714). A skillful politician who secured domestic peace, he furthered Walachia's economic and cultural development. Under his rule, the “Brancovan” artistic style was created, an example of which can be seen in the palace at Mogoşoaia, near Bucharest. In 1709 he negotiated with Czar Peter I of Russia an alliance against his suzerain, Sultan Ahmed III, but he later withdrew. Accused of treason, he was deposed and, with his four sons, was beheaded at Constantinople.