Septilici family


The Septilici family was a princely, noble family from Bukovina, in the Principality of Moldavia. It played a significant political, military role in the history of Moldavia, especially in the medieval and early modern periods.
Documented connections to the House of Obrenović, Cantacuzino. Other princely families such as Shakhovskoy, Svyatopolk-Mirsky, Rosetti, Sturdza, [Balšić Nobility|noble family|Bals] and others.

Origin

The origins of the Șeptilici family date back to the 15th century. The Șeptilici were included by Dimitrie Cantemir among the most important boyar families of Moldavia. The name of the family appears in internal documents as early as the 16th century, with reference to the reign of Petru Vodă Rareș.
The Șeptilici family was mentioned in royal documents during the reign of Stephen the Great, when the family began to gain recognition and influence.

Connected families

The Septilici family, an established noble lineage from the historical region of Moldova, is connected through marriage and descent to several prominent European aristocratic and royal families:
Serbian Royalty: Through the marriage of Maria Kesco into the Septilici family, the Septilici are linked to Queen Natalie of Serbia, consort of King Milan I and mother of King Alexander I of Serbia.
Romanian Nobility: A connection to the influential Cantacuzino family was established through Aspasia Andrieș Septilici, one of Romania’s most historically significant noble houses, which claims descent from Byzantine imperial lines.
Russian Aristocracy: Constantin Andrieș Șeptilici, a notable member of the family, served as a court counselor in the Russian Empire and as Governor of Crimea. He was married to Princess Paraschiva Șahovsky, of the Shakhovskoy princely house one of Russia’s oldest noble families with Rurikid origins. Maria Septilici, born in the Chernivtsi region, married Prince Dmitri Sviatopolk-Mirski, connecting the family to the Svyatopolk-Mirsky princely dynasty.
The Septilici lineage is also associated with other prominent Moldavian boyar families, including the Rosetti, 'Sturdza' and Bals families.

History

Assassination of Voivode Gaspar Graziani

One of the most controversial events in which the noble family was involved was the assassination of ruler Gaspar Graziani.
According to historical accounts, members of the Șeptilici and Goia families conspired against Graziani because of his dangerous policies and authoritarian tendencies. They saw in his elimination a way to prevent a possible Ottoman invasion and restore order in the principality.
His death was a landmark event in Moldavian history, and the Șeptilici family apparently played a significant role in the plot that led to his murder.

Notable members

Estates

In 1907, an Ilie Șeptilici appears as the owner of the Burchi house. He was a descendant of Șeptilici the hetman, commander of the Moldavian army, beheaded in 1621 by Alexandru Iliaș Vodă. The Șeptilici family also had descendants in Moldova across the Prut. His great-grandfather, Constantin Andries Șeptilici, former counselor in Russia and Governor of Crimea, is known; he was married to Princess Paraschiva Șahovsky.