Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to analyze the role of external factors in gaining political power by pretenders to the throne in medieval society. The evolution of society was influenced by political power, by those who were in power. Our investigation is focused on the personality and reign of Alexandru Lapusneanu. The historical sources have registered the deterioration of the political situation in the Principality of Moldova in the middle of the 16th century. The Principality was in full process of changing the political and legal status when it comes to external politics. The context was even more complicated due to the discreditation of the Rares family by converting to Islam the Lord of Moldova - Ilie Rares. In this complicated political context, the boyar groups of various political orientation that did not have sufficient human and military potential turned to foreign aid in order to gain power. Alexandru Lapusneanu and his supporters were not an exception. Historical sources have recorded his special ability to balance between different external political options in order to preserve his Reign and not allow Moldova to be turned into a pasalac (Turkish administrative territorial unit). By offering support to obtain the throne, neighboring powers aimed to maintain the East-Carpathian space in the sphere of their influence. A careful analysis of the sources proves that the neighboring powers used the pretenders to the throne of Moldova. Granting political asylum was used as means of coercing the Lord on the throne, thus forcing him to act in accordance with their interests.
