Az Erdélyi-érchegység vízimalmai a fejedelemség idején
Watermills in the Metaliferi Mountains (16th and 17th Centuries)

Summary/Abstract: One of the most profitable branches of precious metal mining in 16th- and 17th-century Transylvania was the so-called porondbányászat, which in today’s terms could be called open-pit mining. In almost all cases, successful open-pit mining required water-powered ore grinding mills, known as stomp. These were largely built by noble families living in the area and were usually rented out to serfs living in Abrudbánya/Abrud or in the surrounding villages. The operation of the grinding mills provided an excellent opportunity for social advancement, and we have also found the example of a fiscal serf who built and operated his own mill with the permission of Abrudbánya or a landlord. In addition to the grinding mills, a prominent role was played by the grain mills in the immediate vicinity of Abrudbánya or in the town itself, which were also powered by water. They played an important role in feeding the town and villages.

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