The origins of Brasov as a medieval town are lost in the dark
times. Archaeological discoveries mention life on this land since
the Bronze Age, 60,000 years ago.
Brasov was first mentioned as "Corona" ( which means, crown,
hence the coat of arms of the city which is a crown with oak roots)
in 1235, when the Saxon population settled here. Later on the town
was known as Brasco, Brasso, Kronstadt, Brassovia Citadel and
Stalin.
Due to its geographical position, at the crossroads of Moldavia
and Wallachia, Brasov has had a fast economic growth, becoming one
of the most important markets in Transylvania. On the 14th century
Brasov became one of the most economical and political strongholds
in the Southeast of Europe and on the 16th century also a cultural
center.
In the period following the 1st World War, Brasov became a
strong economical center in Europe, but the town was partly
destroyed during the 2nd World War. It was rebuilt and the
historical buildings were restored. During the second half of the
20th century, the communist administration forcefully
industrialized the city, bringing here workers from the rest of
Romania, and determining population of German or Jewish origin to
leave the city in droves.
This cache was part of Transylvania GeoQuest II event in august
2010.