The Department of Medieval European and Middle Eastern Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, University of Szeged, is dedicated to providing high-quality archaeological education. The goal is to train professionals with a deep understanding of the material and intellectual cultures of the Middle Ages, with a special focus on both the Hungarian and Middle Eastern medieval periods.
The department's main focus is on the Hungarian Middle Ages, which spans from the establishment of Christian Hungarian statehood to the Battle of Mohács in 1526. However, the program also covers the archaeology of the Ottoman occupation and the early modern period up to 1790.
As the department's name suggests, students have the opportunity to specialize in the archaeology of the Carpathian Basin and its European connections, as well as the medieval Middle East. This includes the archaeology of Muslim culture, which greatly influenced medieval European civilization. The department also gives significant attention to the Christian material culture of the medieval Near East. Many of the topics in this area are tied to Hungarian medieval history, particularly the Crusades, in which King Andrew II of Hungary participated leading his own army.
The department offers three main forms of training. Theoretical classes include lectures and seminars that introduce students to key research lines and findings in medieval archaeology. In mother tongue classes, students are introduced to the main archaeological sources of the periods studied. They learn how to recognize, scientifically describe, and analyse various groups of sources. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning through participation in research programs linked to the department. This approach ensures students gain real-world archaeological experience and apply theoretical knowledge to fieldwork.
Through this comprehensive educational structure, the department aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and interpret the complex material culture of the medieval European and Middle Eastern worlds.
At our institute, training practitioners is a top priority. The education and research supporting this focus are carried out through the Department’s own research programs, both in Hungary and internationally. The excavations in several key centres related to the Hungarian Catholic Church, such as Esztergom, Székesfehérvár, Kalocsa, and Eger, are part of our ongoing research initiatives. Additionally, we are engaged in excavations of medieval monastic sites (e.g., Kesztölc, Balatonszemes), Árpád-era royal burials (e.g., Egres), and sites of significant historical events, such as the battlefield research at Mohács.
Our students also have the opportunity to participate in excavations not only in Hungary but also in various regions of the Carpathian Basin, including sites like Nagykövesd. Furthermore, the institute holds several archaeological concessions in the Middle East, where students can gain invaluable experience by working on high-profile sites of international importance. These include the medieval sites of Margat and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Crac des Chevaliers fortress in Syria, the Felicium fortress of the Knights of the Order of St. John in Lebanon, and the Sasanian and medieval castrums of Pankan and Dwin, as well as the Ottoman fortress of Dwin in Iraq. These excavations are conducted in collaboration with local universities.
Through participation in these research projects abroad, our students are able to expand their professional knowledge and prepare for higher levels of expertise in their chosen archaeological fields. This international experience provides them with a broader perspective and enhances their ability to contribute to archaeological research on a global scale.
Head of Department
Péter Langó
Associate Professor
Secretariat
Danubianum 607
Education Coordinator: Zsuzsanna Kovács
Tel.: +3613275930 /4170
E-mail:
kovacs.zsuzsanna@btk.ppke.hu
regeszet@btk.ppke.hu
Postal address:
1088 Budapest
Mikszáth Kálmán tér 1.