szósz

Szász refers to a historical and cultural region primarily located in present-day Romania, with smaller parts extending into Serbia and Hungary. The name originates from the Latin Saxones, referring to Germanic tribes settled in the region during the Migration Period. These settlers, known as the Saxons, were invited by the Roman emperor Diocletian to fortify the Danube frontier in the 3rd century AD. Over time, they assimilated with local populations, forming distinct communities that preserved their Germanic language and customs.

The Szász people, also known as Transylvanian Saxons, played a significant role in the development of medieval Transylvania. They established fortified towns such as Sibiu (Hermannstadt), Brașov (Kronstadt), and Mediaș (Mediasch), which became centers of trade, craftsmanship, and administration. Their influence extended to architecture, law, and governance, blending Germanic traditions with local Romanian and Hungarian elements. The Saxons were granted privileges by Hungarian kings, including autonomy and the right to elect their own leaders, which helped sustain their identity through the centuries.

By the 19th century, the Szász population had declined due to emigration, assimilation, and political changes. Many left for Germany, the United States, and other regions in search of economic opportunities. Today, the Szász community is a minority in Romania, with most descendants assimilated into Romanian society. Cultural preservation efforts, including language revival and heritage sites, continue to honor their legacy. The Szász language, a West Germanic dialect, remains spoken by a small number of elderly individuals, though it is classified as endangered.

The term Szász is also used in Hungarian and Romanian contexts to denote anything related to Saxons or Saxon culture, such as Szászváros (Saxon town) or Szász nép (Saxon people). Their historical contributions to Transylvania’s multicultural heritage remain an important part of the region’s identity.