History of Galati

Danube river. In 101 to 102 and 105 to 106, the Dacians fought wars against the Romans and the area became part of the Roman empire. From the 300s a Daco-Roman settlement developed at a ford south of the site of the Church of the Virgin.

Medieval period

There is evidence of continuous inhabitation of Galați since the 600s. A treasure hoard consisting of 12 silver coins issued between 613 and 685 was found in a Byzantine tomb near the Church of the Virgin. Western and Byzantine coins from the time of Emperor Michael IV (1034–1041) were also found. At one time, the city became part of the Republic of Genoa Territories and was called "Caladda". In 1445, a document signed by Stephen II of Moldavia mentions Galați. In 1484, Chilia was conquered by Ottomans. Galați township remained Moldova's only port, not only for domestic trade but also for trade with Turkey and Poland. In 1590, the Galati Jewish cemetery was opened.

18th century

Burial of Hetman Mazeppa

The Ukranian folk hero, Ivan Stepanovich Mazeppa was born in 1644 in Podolia Palatinate. He became a Hetman in 1687. He died on October 2, 1709 in Varna, (then in Bessarabia, Turkey) and was buried in Galați. This came about because Mazeppa's family had obtained a firman (a decree) for Mazeppa's body to be taken to Jerusalem. However, when his body reached Galați, Mazeppa was buried at the St George church. (A local merchant had built the St George church reusing Roman masonry and it was dedicated to the Church of the holy sepulchre in Jerusalem.) The St George church is inscribed,

"Hagi Mihalachi osârdia during his