Strange Roman-era burial discovered in Hungary

Archaeologists have uncovered unusual burial practices during the excavation of around seventy graves belonging to a Roman-era Sarmatian cemetery in Dunavecse, Hungary, according to a statement from Schneider Electric, which is building in the area.

Roman-era burial in Dunavecse

Prior to the expansion of the company’s smart factory, Duna Smart Power Systems (DSPS), experts from the Katona József Museum in Kecskemét conducted archaeological research. In addition to the graves, they discovered buildings, smokehouses, ditches, ovens, wells, and various everyday objects.

Among the finds were several intriguing artifacts. For example, a long, four-sided die was found in one of the storage pits. This die was part of a Roman board game and is considered a rare discovery in the Carpathian Basin.

One grave revealed a double burial: a man and a woman were placed together in a shared grave pit, which was uncommon during this period, estimated to date back to the 3rd–4th century AD. Additionally, archaeologists found examples of contracted burials. Another grave contained two large millstones—a highly unusual practice that may have been connected to superstitious beliefs, possibly intended to ensure that the deceased could not return from the afterlife.

Unique archaeological site

Karola Molnár, lead archaeologist from the Katona József Museum, stated that the cemetery at the Dunavecse-Öreghegy archaeological site is unique due to its relatively large number of graves and because archaeologists rarely have the opportunity to investigate such extensive areas.

The excavation also yielded many distinctive artifacts: terra sigillata pottery, jewelry, and weapons. In male graves, researchers discovered an approximately 80-centimeter-long sword and a spear. Female graves contained special jewelry made of semi-precious stones and coral beads, mirrors, and two strikingly beautiful dress pins—one of which is adorned with a bird motif.

The Sarmatians arrived in the Carpathian Basin during the 1st century AD and remained a significant force in the region until the 5th century AD. Archaeologists are still working at the site, coordinating their efforts with construction activities for the factory expansion.

Schneider Electric inaugurated its DSPS facility in Dunavecse last May, which is one of its largest establishments in Europe. Prior excavations for the first factory uncovered remnants of a Neolithic settlement (5500–5000 BC), as well as traces of a Sarmatian settlement whose cemetery is now being explored. Additionally, parts of a Bronze Age settlement were discovered.

This March, Schneider Electric announced plans to expand the facility with an investment of EUR 44 million to create an additional 18,000-square-meter production area.

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