Ferdinand I: The German-born King of Romania

Ferdinand I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, who reigned as King of Romania from 1914 until his death in 1927, played a decisive role in the formation of the modern Romanian state. Born in Sigmaringen, Germany, on August 24, 1865, he was the son of Prince Leopold and Infanta Antónia of Portugal.

During his reign, Romania underwent significant geopolitical transformations, including the national unification process that brought together Bessarabia, Bukovina, and Transylvania with the Old Kingdom. His era was also marked by profound democratization through land reform and the introduction of universal suffrage.

Ferdinand I was an honorary member, protector, and honorary president of the Romanian Academy. He ascended to the throne following a dynastic crisis involving the renunciation of Prince Carol, navigating the country through the challenges of the Great War.