Lupeni (Romanian pronunciation: [luˈpenʲ]; German: Schylwolfsbach, Hungarian: Lupény) is a mining city in the Jiu Valley in Hunedoara County, Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania.

The first records of people inhabiting this area date back to prehistorical times, as evidenced by the discoveries made at the Straja-Lupeni hill cave, where old pottery objects were found.

During the Middle Ages, the Jiu Valley was sparsely populated, with the inhabitants living in small villages, and shepherding being the main activity.

[3] Lupeni was formed as a result of the intense migration of people coming from Valea Streiului and Țara Hațegului, who were attracted by the rich pastures and hayfields of the area.

However, the industrial development of the area was severely affected by the economic crisis of the interwar period, which eventually led to the Lupeni Strike of 1929.