Written by one of the country’s most renowned rulers, A Description of Moldavia provides unique insight into the geography, history, economy, ethnography, culture, and traditions of the principality. Born to a noble family, the author, Dimitrie Cantemir, ruled as Prince of Moldavia on two occasions (March-April 1693 and 1710-1711). He was a famed statesman, philosopher, and scholar.

Cantemir wrote A Description of Moldavia (Descriptio Moldaviae) in 1716 at the request of the Royal Academy in Berlin, of which he was a member. His manuscript included a map (reproduced in this edition), the first real map of the country, containing significant geographical detail. The book provides a wealth of information about Moldavia’s natural resources, political organization, customs and traditions, history, religion, and language.

„Toata tara pe care o numim astazi Moldova precum si tinuturile invecinate dinspre asfintit au fost stapanite la inceput de sciti care cucerisera aproape trei parti ale lumii cu toate ca dupa obiceiul lor stramosesc ei nu aveauasezari statornice. Pe langa feluritele numiri date de hoardele care s-au perindat pe cursul vremii grecii i-au numit pe locuitorii acestor tinuturi cand geti cand daci. Sub stapanirea romanilor s-a statornicit numirea de daci.“

Dimitrie Cantemir - Descrierea Moldovei

Written by one of the country’s most renowned rulers, A Description of Moldavia provides unique insight into the geography, history, economy, ethnography, culture, and traditions of the principality. Born to a noble family, the author, Dimitrie Cantemir, ruled as Prince of Moldavia on two occasions (March-April 1693 and 1710-1711). He was a famed statesman, philosopher, and scholar.

Cantemir wrote A Description of Moldavia (Descriptio Moldaviae) in 1716 at the request of the Royal Academy in Berlin, of which he was a member. His manuscript included a map (reproduced in this edition), the first real map of the country, containing significant geographical detail. The book provides a wealth of information about Moldavia’s natural resources, political organization, customs and traditions, history, religion, and language.

„Toata tara pe care o numim astazi Moldova precum si tinuturile invecinate dinspre asfintit au fost stapanite la inceput de sciti care cucerisera aproape trei parti ale lumii cu toate ca dupa obiceiul lor stramosesc ei nu aveauasezari statornice. Pe langa feluritele numiri date de hoardele care s-au perindat pe cursul vremii grecii i-au numit pe locuitorii acestor tinuturi cand geti cand daci. Sub stapanirea romanilor s-a statornicit numirea de daci.“

Dimitrie Cantemir - Descrierea Moldovei