John Theodore Callimachi (1690–1780) was Prince of Moldavia from 1758 to 1761.

Early years

Ioan was the second son of Teodor Calmăşul. Teodor, born Calmăşul, changed the family name to the Greek form Callimachi (Καλλιμάχης). Ioan's older brother, Gavriil Callimachi (1689–1786) was a monk at Putna Monastery. Ioan pursued his studies at Lvov. He knew Latin, Turkish, Italian, Greek and French.

Career

Callimachi served in the administrations of John Mavrocordatos and of Grigore II Ghica. He was Grand Dragoman at the Ottoman Porte in Istanbul where, over the course of his sixteen years of service, he was recognized for his diplomatic ability. In 1758, he was rewarded with the position of Prince of Moldavia which he held until 1761. Callimachi retired to Constantinople where he lived for 19 years before his death.

Personal life

Callimachi married Ralitsa Chrysoskoleos and they had four children. Their son, Gregory Callimachi (1735–1769), succeeded Callimachi as Prince of Moldavia; and son Alexander Callimachi (1737–1821) was Prince of Moldavia before the turn of the century. Their elder daughter, Sevastiţa (born 1736), married Mihai Suţu; the younger daughter was called Maria (1740–1831).