Michael the Brave (1558 – August 9, 1601) was the Prince of Wallachia (as Michael II, 1593–1601), Prince of Moldavia (1600) and de facto ruler of Transylvania (1599–1600).

He is considered one of Romania's greatest national heroes and he is seen by the Romanian historiography as the first author of Romanian unity.

His rule over Wallachia begins in the autumn of 1593.

Two years later, war with the Ottomans begins, a conflict in which the Prince fights the Battle of Călugăreni, considered one of the most important battles of his reign.

Although the Wallachians emerge victorious from the battle, Michael is forced to retreat with his troops and wait for aid from his allies, Prince Sigismund Báthory of Transylvania and Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II.

The war continues until a peace finally emerges in January 1597, but this lasts for only a year and a half.

Peace is again reached in late 1599, when Michael is unable to continue the war due to lack of support from his allies.

In 1599, Michael wins the Battle of Şelimbăr and soon enters Alba Iulia, becoming the imperial governor (i.e. de facto ruler) of Transylvania.

A few months later, Michael's troops invade Moldavia and reach its capital, Iaşi.

The Moldavian leader Ieremia Movilă flees to Poland and Michael is declared Prince of Moldavia.

Michael keeps the control of all three provinces for less than a year before the nobles of Transylvania and certain boyars in Moldavia and Wallachia rise against him in a series of revolts.

Hereafter, Michael allies with the Imperial General Giorgio Basta and defeats an uprising of the Hungarian nobility at Gurăslău in Transylvania.

Immediately after this victory, Rudolf orders the assassination of Michael, an action carried out on August 9, 1601 by Basta's men.