Stephen the Great and Saint, from the distance of 520 years

This dialogue with the academician Andrei Eșanu and Valentina Eșanu, important historians from the Republic of Moldova, aims to present some significant aspects of the life and reign of Stephen the Great, lord of Moldova between 1457 and 1504, through the perspective of the historical science of today and on the occasion of the 520th anniversary of his passing into immortality. Data are presented, newer or older, about the origin, education and national and international historical contexts that formed the moral, behavioral qualities, as a statesman, diplomat politician, excellent military strategist, valiant army commander, church builder, son, of father and husband, etc. of Stephen the Great, also called the Saint, who ensured his resistance as a ruler in wars and in the administration of the country. The frequency and durability of the image of Stephen the Great, both in the collective imaginary – in legends and other types of narratives – of many generations of Romanian Moldovans, as well as in the studies of local and foreign researchers, makes him one of the most precious symbols of national identity, signifying the dignity and resilience of a people.