One of the first written pieces of evidence of local voivodes is in connection with Litovoi (1272), who ruled over land each side of the Carpathians (including Hațeg Country in Transylvania), and refused to pay tribute to the Hungarian King Ladislaus IV of Hungary.

His successor was his brother Bărbat (1285–1288).

The continuing weakening of the Hungarian state by further Mongol invasions (1285–1319) and the fall of the Árpád dynasty opens the way for the unification of Wallachian polities, and to independence from Hungarian rule.Wallachia's creation, held by local traditions to have been the work of one Radu Negru (Black Radu), is historically connected with Basarab I (1310–1352), who rebelzagainst Charles I of Hungary and establishes rule on either side of the Olt River, establishing his residence in Câmpulung as the first ruler in the House of Basarab.