The Dorobanți (Romanian pronunciation: [doroˈbantsʲ]; also referred to as Dărăbani)[1] were a type of soldiers originating in the armies of Wallachia and Moldavia from the 16th century.

The Dorobanți first appeared in the 16th century in the armies of Michael the Brave, being both infantry and cavalry soldiers equipped with firearms.

[2][3] In the 17th century, during Matei Basarab's reign, the Dorobanți formed a corps and were part of the category of princely servants together with the Călărași.

After the disbanding of the Seimeni in 1655, the Dorobanți joined the Serb mercenaries in their revolt, being defeated in battle by George II Rákóczi.

[5] The Dorobanți, together with the "militia" (army) were to maintain the internal peace and order of the country, except for the borders.

[2] According to a special law issued in 1832, the Dorobanți were divided into 18 cete (battalions), matching the number of counties Wallachia had at that time.

[5] These Dorobanți were authorized to carry weapons in the city and were tasked to ensure the night watch by setting up "streji" which had precisely defined patrol areas.

[6] During the Revolution of 1848, the Dorobanți were disbanded in Wallachia for a short time, being replaced with the national guard (gvadria națională).

[15] With the money they received, the Dorobanți had to either buy or make their uniforms, which had to feature the marking of their respective county, and to pay for the maintenance costs.

The simpler uniforms, which could be manufactured easier, consisted of a black woolen tunic, a Caucasian style hat with a green cap and a black fur turban at the base, and white pants for the Dorobanți of the counties, while the Dorobanți of the Agie wore hats with red caps and navy blue pants.

[11] The mounted Dorobanți wore a uniform consisting of a jacket with horizontal threads, embroidered pants, short boots, and black fur hats with a side flap and tassels.