The Wallachian Princes were rulers of the historical region of Wallachia, located in present-day Romania. They governed from the 14th to the 17th centuries, overseeing a territory that played a crucial role in the political and economic landscape of Eastern Europe. The princes were often involved in conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Ottoman Empire and Hungary. These leaders were typically from noble families and were appointed by the Sultan or elected by local boyars, the aristocracy of Wallachia. Notable princes include Vlad the Impaler, known for his brutal methods, and Mihai Viteazul, who sought to unify the principalities of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania.