Romanian history dates back to ancient times, with the region inhabited by the Dacians, a group known for their rich culture and resistance against the Roman Empire. In 106 AD, the Romans conquered Dacia, leading to significant cultural and economic changes. After the Roman withdrawal in 271 AD, the area experienced invasions and migrations, shaping its diverse heritage. Throughout the Middle Ages, Wallachia and Moldavia emerged as principalities, often battling for independence from foreign powers. In 1859, these regions united to form Romania, which later gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877. The 20th century saw Romania navigate both World Wars and a communist regime, ultimately transitioning to democracy in 1989.