Question 1

True or false: Stefan the Great was the first ruler to unify Wallachia and Moldavia into modern Romania.

Accepted Answer

False. That unification happened in 1859 under Alexandru Ioan Cuza; Stefan ruled only Moldavia from 1457 to 1504.

Question 2

True or false: Stefan defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Vaslui in 1475 with a smaller army.

Accepted Answer

True. He led about 40,000 troops against 120,000 Ottomans, using swampy terrain and a surprise night attack to win decisively.

Question 3

True or false: Stefan built a church or monastery after every major battle he won.

Accepted Answer

False. While he founded many churches and monasteries, the claim of one per battle is exaggerated; he built about 44 religious sites total.

Question 4

True or false: Stefan ordered the execution of all Ottoman prisoners after the Battle of Vaslui.

Accepted Answer

False. He actually released some prisoners and treated others with unexpected leniency to gain political leverage.

Question 5

True or false: Stefan the Great built the Voroneț Monastery, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the East.'

Accepted Answer

True. He commissioned Voroneț in 1488, famous for its vibrant blue frescoes, though the nickname came later from art historians.

Question 6

True or false: Stefan the Great married the daughter of the Hungarian king to secure an alliance.

Accepted Answer

False. He married Maria of Mangup, a Byzantine princess, not a Hungarian royal; his main ally was Poland, not Hungary.

Question 7

True or false: Stefan personally fought in over 50 battles and was wounded multiple times.

Accepted Answer

True. Historical records note he participated in 36 major battles, losing only two, and survived several arrow wounds.

Question 8

True or false: Stefan the Great was canonized as a saint by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1992.

Accepted Answer

True. His piety and defense of Christianity led to his canonization, and his feast day is July 2.

Stefan the Great Trivia Questions