Seneslau,[1][2] also SeneslavorStănislau,[3] was a Vlach voivode mentioned in the Diploma of the Joannites issued by king Béla IV of Hungary (1235–1270) on 2 July 1247. The diploma granted territories to the Knights Hospitaller in the Banate of Severin and Cumania.[4] According to the diploma, the king gave the territories east of the Olt River to the knights, with the exception of the territory of voivode Seneslau.[4]
The name of Seneslav is of Slavic origin. Seneslau held central and southern Muntenia[1] (i.e., the territories along the rivers Argeş and Dâmboviţa).[2] The Romanian historian Ioan Aurel Pop suggests that Seneslau was quasi independent of the king of Hungary.[2] According to the Hungarian historian István Vásáry, his title (voivode) suggests that he had a territorial unit under his jurisdiction.[4]
The diploma of Béla IV also refers to the kenazates of John, Farcaş and voivode Litovoi.[4] Although the names of Seneslau and Litovoi are of Slavic origin, they are expressly said to be Vlachs (Olati) in the king's diploma.[4]