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.

The third grave held a 30–35-year-old man, buried with a saber, archery equipment, a horse harness, a silver bracelet, and a belt decorated with coins.

DNA and diet confirm elite status

DNA testing revealed that the warriors were related along their paternal lines. The oldest individual was likely the father or brother of the youngest warrior. In addition, isotope analysis showed that all three men had diets rich in animal protein, further supporting their elite social standing.

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A rare glimpse into Hungary’s early military leadership

According to the researchers, the burials likely belonged to members of a military leadership group from the early Hungarian state. Such well-preserved and richly furnished graves are rare and provide valuable insight into family structures, warfare, and elite life during the decades following the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin.

Further research is ongoing to better understand the identities of the warriors and the circumstances of their deaths, which remain unknown.

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