Carol I of Romania was the first King of Romania, reigning from 1866 until his death in 1914. Born in 1839 in Germany, he was a member of the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family. He played a crucial role in modernizing Romania, establishing a constitutional monarchy, and promoting economic development. During his reign, Carol I oversaw significant territorial expansion, including the recognition of Romania's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. He also contributed to the establishment of a national identity and cultural development, leaving a lasting legacy in Romanian history.