Abrud

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Abrud
Location of Abrud
Location of Abrud
Coordinates: 46°16′26″N 23°3′48″E / 46.27389, 23.06333
Country Flag of Romania Romania
County Alba County
Status Town
Government
 - Mayor Tiberiu Ioan Raţiu (Democratic Party)
Area
 - Total 3.2 km² (1.2 sq mi)
Population (2002)
 - Total 6,213
 - Density 1,941/km² (5,027.2/sq mi)
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)

Abrud (Hungarian: Abrudbánya, German: Großschlatten) is a town in the north-western part of Alba County, Transylvania, Romania, located on the river with the same name.

[edit] Population

In 2000, it had a population of 6,213.

[edit] History

The town was founded by the Romans, with the name of "Abruttus" (Terra Abruth) and it was the place where a small fortification was built that was part of the defence system of the gold mines nearby, in "Alburnus Maior" (nowadays, Roşia Montană).

Image:Abrud.JPG
View of Abrud

Abrud gained town status in 1427, during the Middle Ages. In 1727, the leaders of a revolt gained control of the town. Another serfs' revolt began in the area in 1784 with Horea, Cloşca and Crişan as leaders fighting the Austrian Imperial forces, Abrud being captured by the uprising's members on 6 November, before the revolt was crushed by the Austrian army.