Over 100 artifacts from the Bronze and Iron Ages have been uncovered in Hungary. According to a report by Daily News Hungary, Hungarian archaeologists uncovered these findings on the Šomló volcanic hill in western Hungary, an area primarily recognized today for its vineyards.
These findings, made possible through advanced research techniques like metal detectors and lidar, provide us with new insights into the enigmatic society that inhabited this region from 1400 to 900 BC, a time that remains largely unexplored during the transition from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age.
The discoveries consist of jewelry, weapons, military decorations, and tools, all buried in at least six separate hoards. This indicates that the burial of these metal objects may have been ritualistic or symbolic in nature. Most artifacts were uncovered in a plain on the southeastern slope of the hill. Researchers suggest that these items likely belonged to the warrior elite clans that governed the region over 3,000 years ago. Certain metal artifacts can be traced back to the early Iron Age.
Today, Szombathely is primarily known for its winemaking, but its archaeological importance was first acknowledged in the 19th century when farmers and gardeners began discovering various artifacts. These initial finds suggested a rich history of human activity on the hill, particularly from the 13th to the 6th centuries BC. However, the lack of documentation regarding the locations of these discoveries has left many questions unanswered. To address this, a team of archaeologists has initiated systematic excavations and surveys. In addition to their fieldwork, they are also utilizing lidar technology to search for metal artifacts. Their objective is to uncover who inhabited Szombathely and to understand the hill's significance in ancient Hungary.
