Berlad, the Principality

The Principality of Berlad was not a formal, long-lasting state but rather a temporary domain or "land" (often referred to as the land of the Berladnici) in the lower Danube region, around the town of modern-day Bârlad, in the 12th century. It was primarily associated with the exiled Rus' prince Ivan Rostyslavych Berladnyk and a group of peasant and burgher refugees known as the Berladnyky or Berladnici.

Key Details

Location:

The area was situated between the Siret and Prut rivers, in the lower Danube region (part of the historical region of Moldavia, now in eastern Romania).

Leader:

Its existence is largely tied to Prince Ivan Rostyslavych (who gained the name "Berladnyk" after fleeing to the town of Berlad), an exiled prince from the Principality of Halych (Galicia).

Population:

The Berladnyky were a diverse group of runaways from Kyivan Rus' who fled feudal oppression, including peasants (smerdy), burghers, and disgruntled boyars and knyazes (princes).

Activities:

The inhabitants were known for fishing, hunting, and craftsmanship. They also frequently engaged in piracy and raids against Galician towns and Rus' merchants, often in alliance with the Cumans (Polovtsi).

Downfall:

Ivan Rostyslavych led a force of 6,000 Berladnyky in an attack on Galician cities in 1159 and captured the port of Oleshia in 1161. They were eventually defeated by the Kyivan prince Rostyslav Mstyslavych.

The "principality" was an ephemeral entity, and historical sources suggest that written records from the time do not support the existence of a permanent, organized state in the region subordinate to the Principality of Galicia.