Michael the Brave, born as Mihai Pătrașcu, was a significant historical figure in Romania. He held the titles of Prince of Wallachia, Prince of Moldavia, and de facto ruler of Transylvania during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His reign is a symbol of Romanian unity, marking a period when all Romanian-inhabited principalities were under a single ruler. Michael led successful battles, such as the Battle of Călugăreni against the Ottomans, and gained control over Transylvania and Moldavia. Despite his achievements, conflicts with neighboring powers arose, including the Habsburg monarchy, Ottoman Empire, and Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. His reign was marked by diplomatic and military struggles, leading to his eventual demise. After facing opposition from Hungarian nobility and Austrian forces, Michael's rule was disrupted, and he was assassinated on the orders of the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II.

Michael the Brave - Wikipedia