Balcescu, Nicolae (1819–1852)

Romanian historian and nationalist revolutionary. He took part in the revolution of 1848 that overthrew the Russian puppet government in the Principality of Wallachia. He held minor office in the provisional government that was installed in its place, but on its collapse fled to Paris. His main historical work was Istoria romanilor subt Mihai Voda Viteazul, a eulogy of the Romanian national hero Michael the Brave.

Balcescu's political activity began in 1840 when he was jailed for his involvement in a plot to overthrow the government of Wallachia. In 1843 he joined the revolutionary society Fratia (‘brotherhood’).