Moldavia refers to a historical region in Eastern Europe that has been part of various political entities over the centuries. There are two primary regions historically referred to as Moldavia:

1. Moldavia (Moldova): This is a region located in Eastern Europe, currently divided between the Republic of Moldova and parts of northeastern Romania. Moldova, also known as Bessarabia, was part of the Principality of Moldavia until the 19th century.
   • Medieval Principality: The Principality of Moldavia emerged in the 14th century as a separate political entity. It was initially a vassal state of Hungary and later developed into a more independent principality. The capital of Moldavia was Suceava and later moved to Iași.
   • Ottoman and Polish Rule: Moldavia had periods of Ottoman Turkish and Polish-Lithuanian influence, alternating between Ottoman suzerainty and relative independence. The region faced various challenges, including conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and neighboring powers.
   • Union with Wallachia: In the 19th century, Moldavia and Wallachia (another principality in the region) united in 1859 to form the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. This union laid the groundwork for the future unification of all Romanian-speaking territories.
   • Modern Period: Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Romania gained independence, and the region of Moldova (Bessarabia) was ceded to Russia. It became part of the Russian Empire as the Bessarabia Governorate. In 1918, after the Russian Revolution, Bessarabia united with Romania.
   • Soviet Period: During World War II, Bessarabia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, as part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. After the war, it remained under Soviet control until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 when the Republic of Moldova emerged as an independent state.
2. Moldavia (Historical Region in Romania): There is also a historical region within present-day Romania called Moldavia. This region was part of the medieval Principality of Moldavia mentioned above.
   • Medieval Principality: The Principality of Moldavia was a historical state that included the eastern part of present-day Romania. It had a distinct culture and history, with its own rulers and institutions. Notable among its rulers was Stephen the Great.
   • Ottoman Influence: Like its counterpart in the east, the Moldavia in Romania faced Ottoman expansion. However, it managed to maintain a degree of autonomy under Ottoman suzerainty.
   • Union with Wallachia: As mentioned earlier, Moldavia united with Wallachia in 1859 to form the United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, eventually leading to the formation of modern Romania.

Both regions, while historically and culturally linked, have distinct histories and are now divided between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. The term “Moldavia” is often used in historical contexts to refer to the medieval principality and the broader historical region.