Customer Reviews

Romanians and Romania

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I recently found myself asking this question, so I got this book out of my University library to find out. What I found was a concise and informative survey of an intriguing people. I learned how the Romanians are a "Latin people among the Slavs." That is to say that they are a people descended from the Romans, (at least partially) surrounded by Slavic countries. The original inhabitants of what is now Romania were the Geto-Dacians, a subset of the Thracians. Conquered by the Romans in 106 AD, the Geto-Dacians were Romanized, with many Romans actually settling and inter-mingling with the indigenous people. After the Roman empire collapsed and this province was cut off from Rome, these people were permanently assimilated and eventually grew into a distinct people known as the Romanians. Then in the 6th and 7th centuries, certain Slavic tribes invaded parts of Romania and left their mark as well.

The author then takes us all through the Middle Ages, the Enlightment and up to the end of the 20th century. We learn about the reforms and revolutions of the 19th century and their 20th century experiences with fascism and socialism. Although it is concise, it is also quite detailed, describing the Romanian's culture, religion, political structures, etc. It is written in very clear and accessible language which makes it an easy read. I would definitely consider this a good introduction to Romania.