The construction of an electric vehicle plant in Szeged has led to the discovery of an extensive Avar-period archaeological complex.
Specialists at the Hungarian National Museum Public Collection Centre and Móra Ferenc Museum are working on the excavation, with preliminary surveys identifying twelve archaeological sites within the project area, half of which were previously unknown.
One of these locations was found to contain a complete early Avar cemetery, which experts are hailing as opening a new era in the study of the early medieval Carpathian Basin.
Tibor Sztankovánszki, an archaeologist at the Móra Ferenc Museum, said the cemetery’s unusually good preservation makes it unique.
Women’s graves contained gold and silver jewellery, including finely crafted granulated earrings, bead necklaces, and decorated belts. Men were buried with weapons such as swords, bows, and spears, and several graves contained horse remains, reflecting the Avars’ martial and equestrian culture.
One warrior’s skull shows clear evidence of battle trauma, offering rare physical testimony to armed conflict during the period. Several Byzantine objects further suggest connections to the wars between the Avar Khaganate and the Byzantine Empire.
One of the greatest significances of the excavation is that the cemetery was completely demarcated. Because of this, the entire population of the community that lived here can be examined, which is a rare opportunity in researching the period of migration.
Archaeological work in the area is ongoing. Additional isolated warrior burials have been identified, and further discoveries are expected during planned infrastructure expansions, including work along Highway 5. Researchers agree that the Szeged BYD project will continue to reshape understanding of the Avar period for years to come and rewrite Hungarian history.
Header Image Credit : Ferenc Móra Museum
Sources : szegedma
