A model of social ascension in 17th century Wallachia: Radu Cocorăscu
A model of social ascension in 17th century Wallachia: Radu Cocorăscu

Summary/Abstract: Radu Cocorăscu was one of the most important high officials in Wallachia in the first half of the 17th century. Radu chancellor began his career as prince Radu Şerban’s favourite, and he managed to hold the most important offices in the state during the reigns of Matthew Basarab and Constantine Şerban: second treasurer, grand treasurer and grand chancellor (logofăt). This paper aims to present a less highlighted aspect of his career: the way in which these high offices enabled him to acquire a solid economic base, the ground for the consolidation of his political and social position in the Wallachian society. At the same time, Radu Cocorăscu is the representative of a typical boyar family who were maintained at the forefront of political life through the access to dignities, in the spirit of “faithful services” to the voivodes.

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