A joint research programme of the Department of Archaeology, Late Antiquity - Non-destructive Archaeological Research Laboratory, the Janus Pannonius Museum, the Mór Wosinsky Museum and the Institute of Remote Sensing and Rural Development of the Károly Róbert College in Gyöngyös
Research history
Between Szakács and Dalmand in Tolna County, to the northwest of the Upper Leperd Desert and within the Gölösi Dune, lies the Roman settlement believed to be called Iovia. The site, first reported by Róbert Fröhlich in 1890, was described as a large ruin field with walls located along the border trench separating the two villages. Further investigations by Sándor Soproni and Dr. Endre Tóth Soproni, who had previously excavated nearby Heténypuszta, suggested that the size of the site and the range of finds indicated it might have been a town.
The first aerial photographs for archaeological purposes were taken in 1996, followed by additional surveys in 1999-2000. These aerial images, along with ground surveys conducted with András K. Németh and Dr. Endre Tóth, revealed a 600x600 meter area with various phenomena, including marble fragments indicative of significant buildings, supporting the hypothesis that the settlement had urban characteristics. Based on these findings, the site was proposed for protection in 2000 with the support of Dr. Tóth, and the declaration was successfully achieved that same year.
From 2000 to 2013, the site was primarily studied using remote sensing methods, including aerial and satellite imagery. More recently, in collaboration with the Janus Pannonius Museum in Pécs, the Mór Wosinsky Museum, and Envirosense Hungary Kft, we obtained airborne laser scanning data and infrared images. These new technologies have greatly enhanced our understanding of the site's topography and structural layout.
In December 2013, as part of our field and non-destructive archaeology education program, we conducted a systematic field survey and applied ground-penetrating radar and magnetometer surveys in the area surrounding the forum and western gateway. The surveys were carried out by first- and second-year archaeology students from Pázmány Péter Catholic University. Additionally, fieldwork was conducted along the western bank of the stream that marks the eastern border of the site, revealing that the settlement likely extended into this area during the Late Roman period.
The site and known archaeological features
The photographs of the site reveal significant features, including the city walls on the south, north, and west sides, the western gate, a basilica-like building with a double row of columns, and a double square (forum) enclosed by columns and a wall, interrupted by gates. Additionally, other smaller buildings, columns, and sections of the city wall are visible. Between the western gate and the forum, a main street approximately 250 meters long was lined with a row of columns. Two monumental buildings, each about 80 x 20 meters, flanked the north and south sides of the western half of the double square. The scale of these buildings, along with the extent of the inhabited area, all point to an urban settlement.
Finds from earlier excavations confirm the Roman origin of the settlement. The majority of pottery found dates to the Middle Imperial period, particularly the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Róbert Fröhlich, who reported these finds, also mentioned fragments of tombstones with inscriptions, Roman bricks, and wall remains, noting that locals had used stamped bricks from the ruins for their own building projects.
The name "Iovia" appears three times in written sources, suggesting it may have been located in this area. András Graf initially proposed that the nearby site of Felsőeperd could be identified with Iovia. Later, Sándor Soproni and Dr. Endre Tóth suggested that the fortress of Untershetény might correspond to Iovia.
The precise name, foundation, and date of destruction of the settlement at Upper Perd remain uncertain due to the scarcity of finds. However, its foundation likely dates to the 2nd century. It is possible that it was originally called Iovia or adopted this name during the Tetrarchy. Although 4th-century coins are found among the artifacts, it is likely that the settlement was already thriving by this time, with the central settlement in the area shifting to the inner fortress of Heténypuszta, which may have inherited the name Iovia.
If the settlement was abandoned during this period, it is plausible that the carved stones found in the walls of the fortress at Lower Hetény—hundreds of 2nd-3rd century stones repurposed for secondary construction—came from the settlement at Gölösi Dune, likely from its earlier cemetery. This is supported by the fact that the nearest source of building materials is in the Mecsek Mountains, located 40 kilometers away from Alsóhetény.
It is possible that the local population retained the memory of the former settlement. If the inhabitants of Felsőeperd fled due to an attack, it is conceivable that they or their descendants resettled in the new center at Alsóhetény, which may have succeeded the former Iovia.
It is also worth noting that a village was established in the area of the Roman town during the Middle Ages. Surface deposits, mostly found to the east of the forum, suggest the presence of this medieval village. The existence of a cemetery is indicated by human remains found on the surface. Dr. András K. Németh identified this settlement as the village of Veperd, mentioned in historical sources.
Dr. Gábor Bertók
Project Leader
PPKE Department of Archaeology
