Matei Basarab

Matei Basarab was a Wallachian voivode between 1632 and 1654.

Much of Matei's reign was spent fighting off incursions from Moldavia, which he successfully accomplished in 1637, 1639, and 1653. He was an enlightened ruler, and is noted for introducing the printing press to Wallachia (1634) and creating the first Wallachian code of laws (1652) as well as patronizing art and religion.