Archaeologists uncover 1,300-year-old warrior from the Avar era in Hungary
Although the burial site of a high-ranking Avar warrior was likely looted, archaeologists have still uncovered jewellery, small weapons, and a completely intact, remarkably well-preserved sabre.
Although the burial site of a high-ranking Avar warrior was likely looted, archaeologists have still uncovered jewellery, small weapons, and a completely intact, remarkably well-preserved sabre. Few civilisations in history are as deeply intertwined with the Hungarian people as the Avars. Originating from Asia and fundamentally nomadic, they established one of Central Europe’s most powerful empires in the 6th century, with the Carpathian Basin as its central region.
Moreover, according to the theory of the “dual conquest,” some of the late Avars are even thought to have been early Hungarians. Numerous artefacts linked to this mysterious people have been found throughout Hungary — and now, researchers have once again unearthed objects that shed light on the life of this enigmatic nation, reports Live Science.
A completely intact sabre has been found
Near Székesfehérvár, archaeologists from the Saint Stephen Museum and the Hungarian National Museum have excavated the nearly 1,300-year-old grave of a high-ranking Avar warrior. The grave is remarkable because, although the human remains are incomplete, the objects buried alongside them have survived in exceptionally good condition considering their age.
The most significant find is an iron sabre — though covered with a thick layer of rust, it remains completely intact. Even so, the blade’s fine, delicate patterns and decorations are still visible, offering valuable insight into the craftsmanship and meticulous forging techniques of the Avars. The weapon’s gently curved blade also suggests that the true military strength of the nation lay in its cavalry, as such sabres were primarily used by mounted soldiers.
Other military items, such as knives and arrowheads, were also recovered from the grave, along with jewellery — including silver belt buckles, hair ornaments, and glass earrings — all reflecting the warrior’s high social status.
The grave may have been looted
There is some indication that the site may have fallen victim to grave robbers during the Avar Khaganate’s existence. This assumption is primarily based on the damaged state of the warrior’s remains: while the limbs are mostly intact, parts of the skull and chest are missing — likely due to looting.
However, it remains puzzling why, if the grave had indeed been plundered, the robbers left behind such a valuable item as the sabre — an object that likely served as a status symbol among the Avars.
Why are the Avars surrounded by so much mystery?
Based on the artefacts and skeletal remains, archaeologists date the burial to between 670 and 690 CE — a period when the Avar Khaganate was still at the height of its power, particularly in military terms, with its centre located in what is now Hungary.
The Avars living in this region during that era are often referred to as “Pannonian Avars,” as they were once thought to be identical to their relatives who remained in Asia, continuing their nomadic — or later semi-nomadic — lifestyle without settling in Central Europe or the Carpathian Basin. Many contemporary peoples feared the very mention of the Avar name, mistakenly believing these two groups to be one and the same.
Modern scholarship, however, suggests a looser alliance or confederation between the two societies, which differed significantly in both structure and way of life.
Reaching definitive conclusions is nearly impossible, as no written records have survived from the Avar people. For this reason, they remain one of the most enigmatic civilisations in history.