The history of Romania dates back to ancient times, with the region inhabited by the Dacians, a group of tribes known for their rich culture. In 106 AD, the Roman Empire conquered Dacia, leading to significant Roman influence in the area. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region experienced invasions and migrations, including the arrival of the Slavs and Hungarians. In the late Middle Ages, the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia emerged, eventually uniting in 1859 to form modern Romania. The country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877 and became a kingdom. Throughout the 20th century, Romania faced political changes, including a communist regime, before transitioning to democracy in 1989.