Unveiling History: Archaeologists Unearth 3,400-Year-Old Metal Treasures on a Mysterious Volcanic Hilltop in Hungary

Ancient Hungarians might have hidden metal treasures on a lonely hill known as Somló as far back as the 15th century B.C. Recent research using lasers and field studies has uncovered fascinating artifacts from this period.

Within a single year, archaeologists discovered over 300 items dating from the Late Bronze Age (1450 to 800 B.C.) and Early Iron Age (800 to 450 B.C.). These findings include beautiful jewelry, military decorations, and weapons. The oldest artifacts date between 1400 and 1300 B.C., while most belong to a later time, from 1080 to 900 B.C. This research, published in the journal Antiquity, highlights significant aspects of ancient life.

The archaeological site is located on Somló Hill, a prominent volcanic formation in western Hungary, now known for its wine production. In the late 19th century, local farmers began finding ancient items while working the land. Bence Soós, an archaeologist at the Hungarian National Museum, explained how this area has both historical and contemporary importance.

The items uncovered range from jewelry to bronze vessels, suggesting a vibrant community from the 13th century B.C. However, the initial locations of these earlier finds remain unclear. Researchers are still trying to understand who lived in this region during that time.

Historical findings, including grave goods from monumental burial mounds, hint that Somló may have been a center of power for elite warrior leaders. To explore this possibility, Soós and his team conducted extensive surveys using metal detectors and advanced mapping techniques like LIDAR.

Thanks to these efforts, they documented the first metal hoards found on Somló. In the first year of research alone, they located six hoards from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. As of April 2025, the team has collected over 900 metal finds, mainly from a plateau on the southeast of the hill, indicating that metalworking likely took place locally.

These discoveries are particularly significant because they shed light on the transition between the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages—a change not well understood until now. One collection, called Hoard V, is noteworthy as it possibly represents early metal deposition customs, where items were buried for ritualistic or symbolic purposes. This hoard contained metal objects stored inside a ceramic vessel, marking a first for this region.

Research suggests the community living around Somló between the 13th and 6th centuries B.C. likely had a tribal or clan-based society led by elite figures. The artifacts hint that Somló could have been a seat of power, rich in culture and social organization.

Though Soós and his team haven’t confirmed the existence of a metalworking workshop yet, they also found parts of an ancient building. Future explorations aim to further clarify the timeline and traditions surrounding this intriguing site.

For those interested in archaeology, the research showcases how modern techniques and historical insights can work together to reveal the stories of our past. Antiquity is a source for more detailed findings.

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