A discovery by scientists from the King St. Stephen Museum (Szent István Király Múzeum) sheds light on the Middle Avar period and the military elite of the Avar Khaganate. The Avars are often described as quite aggressive and invasive. Their country was known for waging wars with the Byzantine Empire and also influencing migration processes throughout Europe (although the Avars had historically come from Asia).
Photos courtesy of King St. Stephen Museum.
The warrior skeleton and his treasures were discovered at the junction between two neighboring provinces in the center of modern Hungary. They are believed to have been made between 680 and 700 CE. Judging by the scattered bones, the grave had already been looted long time ago. The tomb thieves have left marks on the upper skeletal parts (mainly shoulders and chest).
Despite all this, the site contains several richly decorated treasures, which include a unique sabre with a beautiful curve and traces of finely-made decoration, a silver belt piece, objects gilded with gold, some beaded earrings, a dagger, heads of arrows and a few funerary items. To be honest, it’s strange that the looters didn’t take those items, even though they would have been worth a fortune in their day.
Photo courtesy of King St. Stephen Museum.
A special wooden box was made to preserve the weapon after more than 1,310 years of underground burial. It saved not only the saber but also the rust mixed with some chemicals from the soil. The restoration carried out by P. B. Szalontai showed the artistic elegance of the finish, not to mention the unique for that time technological and functional features of the sable.
The accompanying silver and gilded jewelry demonstrates a very high level of Avar metalworking and emphasizes the dead man’s wealth and the artistic skills of Avar craftsmen. The detailed belt fittings and decorative ties show the Avars’ mastery in working with precious metals, and what’s more important, these objects are not only symbolic, but functional.
Photos courtesy of King St. Stephen Museum.
Material remains of the Avar civilization are relatively rare (especially the ones from the 7th century). Each such find provides an invaluable insight into their world, revealing lots of information about Avar burial traditions, beliefs, crafts, warrior culture, enriching the archaeological evidence.
The Olertis team is looking forward to seeing more wonderful finds of the ancient world, be it custom rings or necklaces, swords or coins – everything is worth proper attention. Stay tuned to see our next articles featuring archaeology and jewelry!
