Wallachian Hillmen founding a City; Ninth Century. During the continuous barbarian invasions which started with that of the Goths in 270 AD the Daco-Roman inhabitants found safety in the recesses of the Carpathian Mountains; where they retained their language and nationality. At various periods afterwards they descended into the plains below and established fortified cities; which became the nucleus of petty principalities. During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries these were consolidated into the two great principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.