Postelnic
Encyclopedia
Postelnic was a historical rank
traditionally held by boyar
s in Moldavia
and Wallachia
, roughly corresponding to the position of chamberlain
. It was also known as stratonic (plural: stratonici), and the office was known as postelnicie or statornicie.
Initially, postelnici had as their main attribute tending to the sleeping quarters of monarchs (at both the Moldavian and Wallachian courts). In time, the office became associated with organizing audiences
at both courts, and, during the 19th century, became the equivalent of a foreign minister
.
Historical Romanian ranks and titles
This is a glossary of historical Romanian ranks and titles used in the principalities of Moldavia, Wallachia and Transylvania, and later in Romania. Many of these titles are of Slavic etymology, with some of Greek, Byzantine, Latin, and Turkish etymology; several are original...
traditionally held by boyar
Boyar
A boyar, or bolyar , was a member of the highest rank of the feudal Moscovian, Kievan Rus'ian, Bulgarian, Wallachian, and Moldavian aristocracies, second only to the ruling princes , from the 10th century through the 17th century....
s in Moldavia
Moldavia
Moldavia is a geographic and historical region and former principality in Eastern Europe, corresponding to the territory between the Eastern Carpathians and the Dniester river...
and Wallachia
Wallachia
Wallachia or Walachia is a historical and geographical region of Romania. It is situated north of the Danube and south of the Southern Carpathians...
, roughly corresponding to the position of chamberlain
Chamberlain (office)
A chamberlain is an officer in charge of managing a household. In many countries there are ceremonial posts associated with the household of the sovereign....
. It was also known as stratonic (plural: stratonici), and the office was known as postelnicie or statornicie.
Initially, postelnici had as their main attribute tending to the sleeping quarters of monarchs (at both the Moldavian and Wallachian courts). In time, the office became associated with organizing audiences
Audience (head of state)
An audience is a formal meeting that takes place between a head of state and another person at the invitation of the head of state. Often the invitation follows a request for a meeting from the other person...
at both courts, and, during the 19th century, became the equivalent of a foreign minister
Foreign minister
A Minister of Foreign Affairs, or foreign minister, is a cabinet minister who helps form the foreign policy of a sovereign state. The foreign minister is often regarded as the most senior ministerial position below that of the head of government . It is often granted to the deputy prime minister in...
.