The origins of Sighisoara go back to the Roman times.
During the First Century AD, the Dacians (ancient inhabitants of the territory of modern Romania which eventually will develop into the Romanian people), built a fortification called Sandava.
Under the Roman administration it was known as Castrum Stenarum.
During the 12th century, the Transylvanian Saxons built a new citadel which was named Schäßburg.