Între diplomaţie şi primejdie. O misiune moldovenească la Veneţia (1505-1506)

Mihai COVALIUC

DOI: 10.47743/asui-2025-0005

Abstract: The study analyzes the Moldavian diplomatic mission carried out between 1505-1506 to Venice, one of the few non-political missions from the early period of Bogdan III’s reign. Sent in the context of preparations for the marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of the King of Poland, the mission reflects the prince’s personal concerns rather than strategic objectives. The delegation included Ieremia the treasurer, Gheorghe the cupbearer and Bernardus the castellan, the latter dying on the route between Buda and Venice. Venetian sources, especially Marino Sanudo’s accounts, provide details about the audience of the envoys at the Venetian Senate, about the gifts brought to the doge and about their participation in official ceremonies and carnival festivities. The prolonged presence of the Moldavian envoys in the lagoon indicates their integration into the Venetian diplomatic protocol and contact with representatives of other European powers. The mission, although personally motivated, illustrates the complexity of the Moldovan diplomatic apparatus, the professionalism of the boyar elite and the major risks of diplomatic activity at the beginning of the 16th century, transforming into a significant episode in the history of Moldova’s international relations.

Keywords: Moldavia; diplomacy; Venice; Bogdan III; Poland.