In this article, the author reviews the main historiographical views regarding prince Constantin Mavrocordat‟s reforms, made in the middle of the XVIIIth century in the Romanian Principalities. The causes, essence and importance of Constantin Mavrocordat‟s reforms were variously appreciated in historical researches. At different stages, the historians have highlighted not only the pragmatic purposes, related to the need for state fiscal recovery and stopping the migration of population from the country, but also the moral-ideological purposes that started from the “illuminated” conceptions of reforming princes. Most historians agree with the opinion that the reforms of the fanariot had a particular importance for the future evolution of the Romanian Principalities, thus constituting incontestable political premises of the modernization process of Romanian society. In addition, these reforms introducing similar institutions in both Romanian countries, have contributed basically to the preparation of the ground for achieving the great historic act from 1859 - the Union of Moldavia with Wallachia. The article is addressed to students of the historical faculties and teachers of history.