Gheorghe LAZĂR
Abstract: The knowledge and understanding of how the princely chancellery functioned represents an important objective, one that can offer multiple answers regarding the institutional evolution of the extra-Carpathian Romanian states. However, achieving such an objective requires not only an exhaustive and long-term research of the documents issued by this institution, but also prosopographical research focused on capturing the multiple dimensions of this professional category. Taking these prerequisites into account, the present study will highlight several relevant aspects of the activity and family of one such “servant of the pen”, Iane Dâmboviceanu.
Dâmboviceanu belonged to a professional group that is not only numerically limited, but also insufficiently researched – namely, “the secret logothetes”. Attested in documents beginning with the ascension of Constantin Brâncoveanu (1688-1714) to the Wallachian throne, these logothetes enjoyed a special status within the princely chancellery, being in the direct service of the ruler and entrusted with activities and missions known only to a small circle of political decision-makers. The first part of this study presents the activity carried out by Iane Dâmboviceanu, beginning in 1694 – the year he is first attested in sources as a simple logothete – and traces the various political missions and “services” entrusted to him by Constantin Brâncoveanu and the rulers who followed him until the middle of the 18th century. The loyalty and conscientiousness with which he accomplished the duties entrusted to him throughout this period earned him recognition and fiscal privileges granted by the ruler. However, there were also moments of turning point, if we take into account the fact that he had to accompany the family of prince Brâncoveanu in their exile from the Asian space of the Ottoman Empire (in Kutahya). The second part of the study provides interesting details from this princely logothete’s family life – particularly regarding his marriage to Maria Bălăcescu, his second wife, as well as his land acquisitions and his involvement in the foundation of the church of Dâmbovicioara, in Dâmboviţa County. In the annex of this study, a number of six documents are published, unknown to the existing scholarly literature, yet highly relevant to the present research.
Keywords: the princely chancellery; Walachia; the Secret Logothetes; Iane Dâmboviceanu; 18th century.
Analele Științifice ale Universității „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iasi, (Serie Nouă). Istorie 
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