city, northwestern Romania. It lies on the northeastern fringe of the Great Hungarian Plain, on the right bank of the Someş River, 8 miles (13 km) from the Hungarian border and 17 miles (27 km) from the Ukrainian border. It was founded by boatmen carrying salt down the Someşul River and served as a market centre. The first historical mention of the city was in 1214, when its fortress was destroyed by the Mongols. The Treaty of Szatmár (1711), which guaranteed religious freedom and liberty for the Hungarians, was signed after their revolt against the Habsburg monarchy. Satu Mare is now an important railway junction with connections to Hungary and Ukraine. The city's manufactures include textiles, machinery, and a variety of consumer products. Pop. (2002) 115,630.