Important discovery: Age of Conquest artifacts unearthed at Lake Tisza

The news of the amazing discovery broke yesterday. The staff of the National Archeological Institute of the Hungarian National Museum (Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum, MNM) potentially discovered a Bronze Age cemetery in the Lake Tisza area as part of a research project, the institution informed the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) on Friday. The project, which began its 2024 season in March, involves volunteers from MNM NRI’s Community Archeology Department.

During the first day of the season, they uncovered a previously unknown site dating back to the Age of Conquest and the Árpád period. Metal detecting and exploration in the area uncovered artefacts like beads, arrowheads and a typical tool called “fokos”. This tool was a cutting weapon or tool similar to an axe, but smaller in size and it was also used as a traditional tool for ceremonial occasions from the 20th century, according to Helló Magyar.

These findings suggest the possibility of a cemetery from the Habsburg period. Further research is being initiated to verify this hypothesis. The evaluation of the discovered artefacts indicates continuous inhabitation from the Bronze Age to the Imperial Age, through the occupation period and into the Middle Ages. However, it is concerning that agricultural activities may have damaged the remains.

Gábor Bakos, the Community Archeology Officer and head of field research expressed hope that despite later soil work and agricultural activity, the relics in the area have not been destroyed. However, evidence of disturbance was found in metal fragments recovered from the worked layer. The research will persist using non-destructive methods such as a geophysical survey and excavation to seek answers to ongoing questions.

The Research Project looking into Lake Tisza

The Lake Tisza micro-regional research project initiated in March 2022 aims to deepen our understanding of the Árpád and medieval settlement network and trade relations. It is focused on the administrative regions of Abádszalók, Tiszaderzs, Tiszaszentimre, Tomajmonostora and Kunhegyes.

The project utilises a comprehensive methodology encompassing both monumental and heritage elements. The initial phase involved archaeological excavations last autumn near Tomajmonostora which confirmed the existence of a former Benedictine monastery with plans to continue this year.

Concurrently, the National Archeological Institute conducts nationwide topographic research aggregating data from various scientific and investor projects to construct a comprehensive archaeological topography database for Hungary, aiming to preserve and document national treasures effectively.

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