Stephen III of Moldavia

(1433 –1504), also known as Stefan the Great, was Prince of Moldavia. During his reign, he strengthened Moldavia and maintained its independence against Hungary, Poland, and the Ottoman Empire, which all sought to subdue the land. Stephen achieved fame in Europe for his long resistance against the Ottomans. He was victorious in 46 of his 48 battles, and was one of the first to gain a decisive victory over the Ottomans at the Battle of Vaslui.