The Roman fortress and cemetery at Visegrád-Gizellamajor were first excavated in 1988 during the construction of the Danube waterway, with intensive research continuing into the early 2000s. As a result, the fortress was almost entirely excavated, apart from the section beneath Road 11, while the southern boundary of the cemetery remains undetermined. Constructed in the 340s, the fortress could have housed up to 200 people during its role as part of the Danubian Late Roman limes. Like many other military outposts along the Danube, it was abandoned in the late 4th or early 5th century. However, life persisted in the area, as evidenced by finds from the Hun period and subsequent inhumations that hint at activity during the early Migration Period.
In current research, conducted in collaboration with explorer Péter Gróf, we aim to investigate how the gradual expansion of the Hun Empire in the Carpathian Basin influenced life in and around the former fortress and its adjacent settlement. A detailed examination of the settlement’s cemetery, comprising 226 excavated graves, offers valuable insights into this transitional period. The material culture of the community reflects a broader phenomenon of the times: intensified interactions between the Roman Empire and neighboring barbarian groups during the 4th century. These interactions often resulted in reciprocal cultural influences, evident in artifacts from both sides. At sites like Visegrád-Gizellamajor, traces of communities that transitioned from Hun affiliations to Roman territory are frequently identifiable.
This study seeks to isolate these cultural influences and analyze the final phases of the cemetery in the broader context of contemporary finds from Transdanubia and the Carpathian Basin. For populations that settled in Roman territory following the Hun expansion, there is compelling evidence to suggest their descendants witnessed the integration of the region into the nomadic empire. The research also explores the activities of "new barbarians" who settled in the area during the 5th century, particularly their relationship with the landscape, which was strategically important for river crossings. Key questions include their perception of the existing Roman-built environment and the extent to which they utilized its opportunities.
To deepen our understanding, this study incorporates archaeological analysis, anthropological data, and recent scientific research, offering a multidisciplinary approach to the complex history of Visegrád-Gizellamajor.
