Who are the figures on the Romanian Atheneum

Many tourists come across the Romanian Atheneum if not intentionally search for it, but few know who the mozaic figures above it's entrence represent. So let's present them in a couple of words.

Carol I

In the center we have Carol I, Romania's first king, who reigned from 1866 to 1914, and was elected after the overthrow of Alexandru Ioan Cuza by a palace coup d'état, thus in a political chaos. As he was crowned, Karl swore this oath: "I swear to guard the laws of Romania, to maintain the rights of its People and the integrity of its territory." He spoke in French, as he did not speak Romanian. However, he endeared himself to his adopted country by adopting the Romanian spelling of his name, Carol.

In his reign he helped Romania gain its independence, raised its prestige, helped redress its economy and established a dynasty. In the Carpathian mountains, he built Peleș Castle, still one of Romania's most visited touristic attractions. The castle was built in German style, as a reminder of the king's origin. Though he was devoted to his job as Romania's ruler, he never forgot his German roots, and, at the start of the World War I, Carol wanted to enter the war on the side of the Central Powers, convinced that the honourable thing to do was to enter the war supporting the German Empire.

Vasile Lupu

Vasile Lupu was the Voivode of Moldavia between 1634 and 1653. His rule was marked by splendor and pomp. He was a builder of notable monuments (as the unique Trei Ierarhi Monastery in Iaşi), a patron of culture and arts (introducing printing presses, the ). But the acts also had negative effects, the tax burdens being increased to an intolerable level.

Vasile Lupu spent much of his reign fighting the Wallachian Matei Basarab, which is one of the other figurs we'll present below, trying to impose his son Ioan to the throne in Bucharest.

Neagoe Basarab Voievod

Neagoe Basarab was the Voivode of Wallachia between 1512 and 1521. He encouraged the development of crafts and trade, while maintaining a good relation with Wallachia's other powerful neighbour, Hungary.

He attempted to establish connections with the Republic of Venice and the Papacy, even offering to mediate the dispute between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, with the purpose of uniting Christendom against the Ottoman threat. (In the 16th century, Wallachia was independent, but was required to pay an exorbitant tribute to the greater force of the Ottoman Empire.)

Alexandru cel Bun

Alexander the Good was the Voivode of Moldavia between 1400 and 1432. He introduced new fiscal laws, improved the situation of the trading routes and strengthened the forts guarding them. The main concern of Alexander the Good was to defend the country in wars against superior armies. In order to do that, he forged a system of alliances with Wallachia and Poland.

He also had a role in ending the conflict of the Moldavian Eastern Orthodox with the Patriarch of Constantinople; he built Bistrița Monastery where he is buried.

Matei Basarab

Matei Basarab was the Wallachian Voivode between 1632 and 1654. Much of Matei's reign was spent fighting off incursions from Moldavia. He was an enlightened ruler, and is noted for introducing the printing press to Wallachia (1634) and creating the first Wallachian code of laws as well as patronizing art and religion (founder of the first upper school in his Principality).