Hidden Bronze and Iron Treasures Found In Prehistoric Hillfort In Northeast Hungary

Conny Waters - AncientPages.com - Researchers from the Institute of Archaeological Sciences of the Eötvös Loránd University has been investigating the Early Iron Age hillfort at Dédestapolcsány-Verebce-bérc, Carpathian Basin in Northeast Hungary) since 2020.

In this year's season, they discovered a collection of the Early and Middle Iron Age iron and bronze artifacts at the site of the settlement destroyed by siege in the late 7th century BC.

The hillfort is located on the north-western edge of the country’s Bükk Mountains.  Covering an area of 123 hectares, this site stands as one of the most expansive prehistoric archaeological locations in northeastern Hungary.

It extends along a mountain ridge with steep sides, running north to south for about 2 kilometers on the northern edge of the Bükk Mountains.

The site's altitude reaches, and in some areas surpasses, 600 meters.

Decorated rim fragment of a bronze cauldron - a unique find. Image credit: Institut of Archaeology – University ELTE BTK

In the 7th and 6th centuries BC, the settlement was flourishing. Based on the recovered metal and pottery findings, it was destroyed due to an attack in the late 7th century BC, as evidenced by hundreds of early Scythian bronze arrowheads and burnt buildings.

The settlement is recognized as one of the hillforts associated with the Late Bronze Age Kyjatice culture, included in the Urnfield culture was located in an area stretching from western Hungary to eastern France, from the Alps to near the North Sea.

Likely, the remains of the wooden structure of the building destroyed and burned down during the attack. Image credit: Institut of Archaeology – University ELTE BTK

The excavation project progressed throughout the summer, marking the sixth year of efforts to locate the site and the third season dedicated to active excavations.

In three separate trenches, researchers found the remains of the burned buildings, and at the same time, they maintained inspection of the investigated site by using metal detection equipment. As a result, a large collection of metal objects was discovered.

Image credit: Institut of Archaeology – University ELTE BTK

The findings provide valuable new insights into this region's cultural connections and historical context. These insights enhance our understanding of how various cultures have interacted and influenced each other over time.

The collection of over sixty bronze and iron objects, primarily linked to the historical siege of jewelry from the Balkans, is fascinating and valuable.

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The site contains an exceptionally high number of Early and Middle Iron Age and Bronze artifacts and pieces of iron raw material. Over 30 depots, each containing these materials, have been discovered. Across the entire area, more than 600 such items have been found. On average, each piece weighs approximately 1.54 kg.

These intriguing artifacts offer significant insights into the region's past, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

Source: Institut of Archaeology – University ELTE BTK

Written by Conny Waters - AncientPages.com Staff Writer