Amazing: Satellite imagery uncovers massive Avar-era cemetery in Hungary
A story straight out of science fiction has emerged on the outskirts of Tatabánya, Hungary. Using modern technology, including satellite and drone imagery, archaeologists have discovered what could be an Avar-era cemetery containing hundreds, possibly even a thousand, graves. This groundbreaking find not only rewrites local history but could usher in a new era of archaeological research across Hungary.
Patterns in the crops: How it all began
The story dates back to April 2025, when Attila Papp, a researcher at the Hungarian National Museum’s National Archaeological Institute (MNM NRI), spotted unusual patterns in aerial and satellite images of grain fields near Tatabánya. The discolourations—regular, rectangular shapes—suggested the possible presence of subterranean graves.
Suspicion quickly turned into action. Researchers contacted the landowner, obtained permission to investigate the area, and a formal dig began. A joint project by the Tatabánya Museum and the MNM started with exploratory excavations of two graves—early findings confirmed the area hosted an Avar-period cemetery dating back to the Migration Period, according to Blikk.
Log coffins, looting, and burial customs
The graves are deep and oriented west to east, and unfortunately, had been looted long ago. Despite this, archaeologists managed to glean valuable insights into ancient burial customs. Remnants of the wooden coffins and evidence of burning and charring revealed that the deceased were buried in log coffins.
Interestingly, the burn marks identified beneath the coffin lids helped estimate the graves’ age and hinted at when the looting may have occurred—likely at a point when the wood had not yet fully decayed.
Up to 1,000 Avar-era graves: A new archaeological era
Based on aerial images and fieldwork, experts estimate the site may contain between 500 and 1,000 graves, marking it as one of the largest known Avar-period cemeteries in Hungary. The excavation is part of a larger research program titled “Cemeteries from Space,” which aims to confirm archaeological remains identified through satellite and drone imagery with on-site exploration.
According to Attila Papp, such collaborations are essential for introducing previously unknown sites into mainstream archaeological research. “We’re talking about a massive quantity—hundreds of newly discovered burial sites nationwide that had remained completely hidden until now,” he emphasised.
What’s next: More excavations, more answers
The Tatabánya cemetery dig is just the beginning. Researchers hope to identify additional sections across the area. The data and artefacts collected so far have raised new questions but may also hold the key to understanding how our ancestors lived, buried their dead, and practised their beliefs in the Carpathian Basin over a thousand years ago.
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