Walachia

Sources from old books

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

Walachia, which offers it self on the North East of Transilvania, along and on the North of the Danube, was called petty and Transalpina, for the distinguishing it from Moldavia. It is watred with a great number of Rivers; some of its Mountains have great Mines of Gold; its Horses are by many accounted the best in Europe. Its Prince called Hospodar, sometimes Vaivode, that is to say, Head of the Troops, resides at Tergowis, and pays the Grand Seignior a hundred and twenty thousand Livers of annual Tribute.

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Walachia, Valachia, a considerable Province of the Kingdom of Hungary; called by the Germans Walachey, by the Turks I••akia, and by the Poles Wolochy. It is a part of the antient Dacia; and stands now divided into the Provinces of Walachia and Moldavia: of the latter I have spoken in its proper place. The former is bounded on the North by the Kingdom of Poland and Red-Russia; on the East by Bessarabia; on the South by Bulgaria, (separated from it by the Danube) and by Moldavia; which last also bounds it to the West. It is much less than the Maps commonly make it: also commonly misplaced, and set where Moldavia should stand. The History of it is delivered in Moldavia. To which I shall only add here; that after Mahomet IV. Emperor of the Turks, was deposed, and Solyman, his Brother, set up in his stead; and that the Duke of Lorain had seized Transylvania; the Prince and States of Walachia, in 1687. and 88. rendered themselves under the Emperor's Protection, upon condition; That the Succession in the Government of that Principality shall be continued to the Heirs Male of the present Prince, and the States be preserved in the Possession of their just Rights and Privileges; paying to the Emperor the Annual Tribute of 50000 Crowns. This Country extends from East to West 90 French Leagues: from North to South 50; in form Triangular. The Plains would be very fruitful, if they were well cultivated; but being little peopled, much ravaged by the Turks and Tartars, and lying in common, they are over-run with Weeds; for here is little or no Wood. The Mountains have rich Mines, but they are as much neglected: their Religion is that of the Greek Church. The present Valvode is Matthis George Gista; set up in 1658. by the late Sultan of the Turks.