Mystery figures in History -Romania's Kings

Constantin Brancoveanu: The Story of a brutal execution of a king and his four sons

The most significant aspects of his legacy are as follows:

I. Constantin Brâncoveanu's refusal to convert to Islam during his capture;

II. Constantin Brâncoveanu's execution along with his four sons;

I. Constantin Brâncoveanu was a prominent figure in Romanian history. He served as the voivode (prince) of Wallachia between 1688 and 1714. Brâncoveanu was a notable patron of arts and culture. He sponsored the construction of several iconic monasteries, including the Brâncoveni and Hurezi monasteries. These architectural masterpieces still serve as testaments of his cultural contributions. He was a devout Orthodox Christian who played a crucial role in supporting the Romanian Orthodox Church. His reign witnessed advancements in religious scholarship, monastic life, and church construction.

Brâncoveanu and his four sons are devoid of Orthodox Christians. When faced with the option of converting to Islam to potentially spare their lives, they choose to remain steadfast in their Christian faith. This resolute stance against conversion played a significant role in their execution.

In 1992, the Romanian Orthodox Church canonized Constantin Brâncoveanu and his sons as saints and martyrs. They are venerated as "Saint Martyr Constantin Brâncoveanu and his sons" in the Romanian Orthodox Church. Each year in the 16th of August, the Romanian Orthodox Church venerated and praised the deeds and sacrifices of Constantin Brâncoveanu and his sons.

II. Constantin Brâncoveanu was accused by the Ottoman authorities of conspiring with foreign powers, particularly the Habsburgs and the Russians, against the Ottoman Empire. This alleged conspiracy, whether real or perceived, is a major factor in their execution.

Sultan Ahmed III, ascending to the throne in Istanbul in 1703, sought to abruptly end the acclaim that the ruler of Wallachia enjoyed internationally, as he had become a stronghold of Orthodoxy that many found hard to ignore.

Through him and his family’s execution, the sultan aimed to set an example for all of Europe. This is why he chose the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, a holiday especially revered by the Romanian ruler's family, as the day of execution.

Over time, there has not been a clear association between the Sultan's intention to execute the Brâncoveanu’s family and the chosen date. According to an ancient Christian tradition, even during the Roman Empire period, the Mother of God supported princely families through her prayers. Given her significant role in the life of our Christian Church, the Sultan sought to denigrate this celebration by executing the most fervent support of Orthodoxy in those times and his family.

The execution of Brâncoveanu's sons served as a stark example of other vassal states under Ottoman control. It was a demonstration of the severe consequences that could befall rulers and their families, who defied or challenged the Ottoman authority.

Brâncoveanu's sons were viewed as potential heirs who could carry on his legacy and potentially rally support Wallachian independence. By executing them, the Ottomans aimed to eliminate potential future leaders who could threaten their rule.

The execution of Brâncoveanu's sons was a symbolic act meant to reinforce the Ottoman Empire's authority and dominance over its vassal state. It sent a clear message that even the closest family members of a ruler would not be spared if they had defied Ottoman orders.