The 1784 Uprising and Valea Ierii

The 1784 uprising against the nobility had significant effects on local history.

Discontent with the nobility and the emperor sparked fierce battles. With some victories against the imperial army at Râmeț, Brad, and Lupșa, the rebels were eventually defeated in the battles at Mihăileni, Abrud, and Câmpeni, leading to the disbanding of the rebel camp in December 1784.

Horea and Cloșca retreated into the Gilău Mountains, into the Scoroșel Forest. Crișan hid in Ponor. All three were captured and sentenced to death in Alba Iulia.

The betrayal and capture of Horea and Cloșca are tied to our region. Vice-Colonel Kray organized and paid people to capture the rebels. It is known that the descendants of those who helped in the capture of the rebels later settled in Valea Ierii. Family names, nicknames like “Bidigoi,” and local toponyms such as Mesteacăn and Pârâul Ursului preserve the memory of those times.

Local tradition holds that fugitives from Horea’s army settled in the mountains, on high ground, and built traditional houses arranged in a circle—hence the current name of the village “Cerc” (Circle).

Although the commune was not officially recognized or distinct at the time, the area was part of Turda County, and in 1784, it was within Cluj County.

An interesting and detailed article about the capture of Horea and Cloșca can be found here.