Published: November 13 2023
A Roman village has been discovered in a picturesque Hungarian forest through an excavation carried out by the Institute of Archaeology of the ELTE BTK in Pilisszentiván. With the help of enthusiastic volunteers, the excavation revealed treasures and buildings that provide insights into the history of this ancient settlement.
Unique Roman village in forest environment
The Roman village located in the north-western hinterland of Aquincum stands out as a unique discovery in Hungary. The site, known as Ásónyomon, is situated near the Hársas spring on a natural terrace within a forest. Identified by Tamás Marlok in 2009, the exploration of the site took place between 2014 and 2018. This year, further investigations were conducted with the assistance of ground penetrating radar survey and airborne laser surface scanning.
Layout and chronology of the settlement
The recent excavation focused on determining the layout of buildings and the chronology of the settlement. A section of the ascending road, along with the previously excavated walls, was cleared for better understanding. The excavated buildings were found to be agricultural rather than residential. The foundations, revealed through the remains of unbonded stone layers, and a walkway in one of the buildings provide valuable information about the architectural features of the village. Additionally, a heating/firing furnace with limestone and a crushed ceramic layer were discovered in the south wing of the largest building.
Ancient Roman treasures unearthed
Although Celts were not identified during the excavation, early indigenous vessels from the 1st to 2nd century were found beneath the foundation level of the central building. Notably, the excavation also uncovered a rare intact seal, indicating the presence of a pottery workshop. Fragments of a glass bottle and sealed Pannonian ceramics suggest connections with Aquincum. The discoveries made during the excavation suggest that the rural settlement thrived from Roman occupation until the end of the 3rd century.
Other recent archaeological finds in Hungary
This finding adds to the growing collection of interesting archaeological discoveries in Hungary. Recently, remains of buildings from a historical period prior to WWII were found in Buda Castle. Similarly, in Western Hungary, a Roman sarcophagus was unearthed, shedding light on the region's Roman past.
Questions & Answers
Where was the Roman village discovered in Hungary? The Roman village was discovered in Pilisszentiván, in the north-western hinterland of Aquincum, in the surroundings of the Hársas spring, on a natural terrace.
Who carried out the excavation of the Roman village in Hungary? The excavation was carried out by the Institute of Archaeology of the ELTE BTK, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers.
What was the aim of this year's excavation of the Roman village in Hungary? The aim of this year's excavation was to clarify the layout of the buildings identified along the ascending road between 2014 and 2018 and the chronology of the settlement.
What were the buildings excavated in the Roman village in Hungary used for? The three buildings excavated were not residential but agricultural, as only a few roof tiles were found. They were most likely used for agricultural purposes.
What were some of the findings from the excavation of the Roman village in Hungary? During the excavation, early indigenous vessels dating to the turn of the 1st-2nd century were found. A rare intact seal was also discovered, indicating a pottery workshop. Fragments of a glass bottle and sealed Pannonian ceramics suggested links with Aquincum. The excavations suggest that the rural settlement was prosperous from the Roman occupation until the end of the 3rd century.
Are there any photos available of the Roman village excavation in Hungary? Yes, there are photos available of the excavation.
