The Great Banship of Craiova or Banate of Craiova was in the Middle Ages one of the most important political institutions of Wallachia. It was established during the last decades of the 15th century, after the movement of the seat from Strehaia (1491). Since 1512, when the reign of Neagoe Basarab began, the Ban got similar powers to the hospodar on the territory on the right of Olt river. The title was held most by members of the Craioveşti family (from 1492 to 1532). The role of the institution increased during the rule of Michael the Brave.