Michael the Brave
Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul) was the voivode of Wallachia, and briefly was the prince of Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia. He was known as Mihai II within Wallachia.
History
Michael was likely an illegitimate son of Patrascu the Good of the Draculesti dynasty within the House of Basarab. His descent was and is under dispute.
Reign
Wallachia
Michael convinced the Ottoman Empire to support his claim over Wallachia in 1593.
As a vassal of Sigimund Bathory (Bathory Zsigmond), Michael was deeply involved in the Transylvanian wars against the Ottomans.
In 1595, Sigimund began consolidating his control over the voivodeship of Moldavia and initiated legal reforms that limited the powers of voivodes.
Transylvania and Moldavia
Amidst his isolation from Transylvanian politics, Michael requested that Rudolf I usurp direct rule over the principality of Wallachia. Andrew Bathory (Bathory Andras) demanded that Michael abdicate in September 1598.
Michael launched an invasion of Transylvania during which Andrew was killed. By October, Michael's army entered Alba Iulia and he was crowned prince of Transylvania. He began negotiating between the Holy Roman Empire and the Commonwealth, seeking a sovereign that would recognize his hereditary claims over Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia in exchange for vassalization.
In April 1600, Michael launched an invasion of Moldavia with rapid success. This left him with direct rule over all three principalities.
Local nobility conspired with foreign powers, especially Giorgio Basta, to expel Michael's armies from Transylvania. Before a retaliation could be formed, Michael was assassinated on August 9, 1601.
Legacy
Michael's conquest represented a break in otherwise continuous Ottoman reign over Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia. He and his personal union of the three principalities are seen as a precursor to modern Romania.
Michael's reign also represented a setback for the Commonwealth and it's larger scheme to undermine Ottoman dominion.