The period is characterized by a continuous struggle for maintaining the independence against Hungary, Poland, and especially against the Ottoman Empire. Moldova became known in Europe for its glorious victories in the battles of Baia (1467), Vaslui (1475), and Codrii Cosminului (1479).

Because of an unfavourable international situation Moldova became a vassal of the Ottoman Empire (1538).
There were well-known armed attempts to restore the independence of Moldova, made by Petru Rares (1527-1538; 1541-1546) and Ioan Voda the Valiant (1572-1574) , but they were not successful.

Despite the obstacles and difficulties, the foundations of the national spiritual culture were laid in this period, in the fields of religious and secular architecture, painting, literature, etc.