Archaeological and Interdisciplinary Research (2024–2026)

The Hungarian Prehistory Research Group of Pázmány Péter Catholic University (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) was established in 2017 following the founding of the Department of Hungarian Prehistory and the Archaeology of the Conquest Period. Its aim was to pursue more comprehensive and intensive research into early Hungarian history as a key focus area of the faculty. From the beginning, the group has brought together lecturers, early-career and senior researchers, as well as undergraduate and doctoral students.

In 2024, we were awarded a new three-year research grant with the support of PPKE BTK. The thematic structure of the new project continues the previously successful tripartite research approach.

Research Aims

The greatest challenge in studying early Hungarian history is the scarcity of sources; therefore, meaningful progress can only be achieved through systematic source exploration. In this context, it is particularly important and responsible to actively contribute—alongside the study of Conquest-period material—to the preservation of source material in Ukraine (Etelköz), as well as to continue collecting data from Russia and Moldova in close cooperation with local colleagues.

The early Hungarians encountered Christianity already during their time in the steppe regions, as confirmed by multiple sources. Later, the adoption and consolidation of Christianity became a defining element of their settlement in the Carpathian Basin and their integration into Europe.

From an archaeological perspective, this process can best be examined through the analysis of 10th–11th century burials. The spread of Christianity is reflected in:

  • the decline and transformation of grave goods
  • the appearance of objects associated with Christianity in graves

These include simple pectoral crosses, reliquary crosses, and items of dress and jewelry bearing Christian symbolism, all indicating the gradual spread of the new faith.

Research has long established that this transformation was not a sudden shift but a gradual process spanning nearly two centuries. Upon their arrival in the Carpathian Basin, the Hungarians entered a region where Christianity had already been present for some time, and part of the local population was certainly Christian. These interactions are also reflected in the archaeological record.

The work plan also includes a subproject on the Hunnic period, addressing widespread misconceptions and misunderstandings in early Hungarian history. The most effective way to clarify these issues is through the systematic study and publication of authentic 5th-century Hunnic archaeological material.

2024: Research, Publications, Events

Hagyományok kezdete. A 9–12. század emlékei és értelmezési keretei különféle megközelítésekben
This workshop, held for the second time, focused on discussing the latest results of archaeological research on the 9th–12th centuries. The event provided an opportunity for numerous university students to present their research and share their findings with a wider professional audience.

The conference was chaired by László Kovács, one of the leading archaeologists of the period.
Date: 19 February 2024, 10:00–18:00
Program →

Media

Interview with Attila Türk on Hungarian Catholic Radio, 22 February 2024