1,100-year-old elite warrior burials discovered in Hungary

Archaeologists in Hungary have uncovered the 1,100-year-old burials of three elite male warriors, with DNA analysis confirming close family ties between them. The discovery sheds new light on the military elite of the early Hungarian state during the 10th century.

The graves were found near Akasztó, around 92 kilometers southeast of Budapest, and date to the 920s–930s, according to the archaeological team (József Katona Museum in Kecskemét).

Elite warriors with rich grave goods

All three burials contained high-status weapons and ornate personal items, clearly indicating elite rank. Among the finds were:

• A saber, bows and quivers filled with arrows
• Horse harnesses decorated with gilded silver
• Silver and gold jewelry
• A total of 81 coins, most originating from northern Italy

Many of the coins date to the reign of Berengar I (r. 888–924), suggesting the warriors may have acquired them during Hungarian military campaigns in Italy, which were common during this period.

Young fighters and lavish burials

One grave belonged to a 17–18-year-old warrior, buried with an ornate belt decorated with gilded silver, a sabretache (leather pouch) adorned with a silver plate, and a gold ring set with blue glass stones. His legs were decorated with silver bracelets and anklets, and traces of gold plates were found on his body, possibly remnants of ceremonial clothing or a burial shroud.

Another burial contained a 15–16-year-old warrior, interred with a bow and a quiver holding seven arrows. Parts of his bow were covered with decorative antler plates, an uncommon and prestigious feature.