The Hungarian National Museum (MNM) has unveiled a rare glimpse into the power structures of the Conquest period with the opening of its May “Treasure of the Month” chamber exhibition. Titled “Rising with Radiance – Belt Structure and Pouch Plate from the Conquest Period,” the display showcases an extraordinary collection of artifacts recovered from the graves of three warriors who died between 920 and 930.
The finds were discovered near Akasztó in Bács-Kiskun county at a previously unknown site. The discovery was made possible through the community archaeology program of the Katona József Museum in Kecskemét, where volunteers first identified the location. The subsequent excavation was a collaborative effort between the MNM and the Katona József Museum, supported by museum staff, volunteers and the local government of Akasztó.
A “Sensation” in Archaeological Preservation
Archaeologists describe the graves as being in an exceptionally good, nearly undisturbed state. The most significant discovery was found in the richest of the three graves: a high-ranking warrior, estimated to be 17–18 years old. This individual was buried with a unique silk belt adorned with a series of gilded silver pendants and a pouch decorated with a silver plate hanging on the right side.
Due to the remarkable state of preservation, organic elements—including the multi-layered clothing, the belt, and the pouch—remained intact enough to be lifted by researchers “in situ,” or in their original positions.
Gábor Wilhelm, an archaeologist at the Katona József Museum and one of the research leaders, characterized the find as a “sensational” event, comparing the discovery to looking through a keyhole at an 1100-year-old moment. Ágnes Füredi, an archaeologist from the MNM National Archaeological Institute and co-leader of the research, noted that the joy of the joint discovery was both inspiring and fantastic.
Unprecedented Scientific Collaboration
The significance of these finds extends beyond the objects themselves. Zsigmond Gábor, Director General of the Hungarian National Museum, stated that the discovery provides new and defining data for understanding the society and power structures of the Conquest period in the Duna-Tisza region.
The research is notable for the unprecedented breadth of its scientific analysis. The remains and artifacts have been subjected to examinations by a wide array of institutions, including:
- The MNM National Archaeological Institute and the MNM Archaeometry Lab
- The ELTE Humanities Research Centre’s Archaeogenomics Research Institute
- The ELTE TTK Department of Anthropology
- The HUN-REN Institute for Nuclear Research
- The ELTE Natural History Museum
Ongoing Documentation and Public Access
To document the investigation, the Hungarian National Museum is producing a film series. The first installment, titled “Graves,” is already available. Future episodes may focus on genetic examinations, laboratory tests, discovered coins, and horse remains found within the graves.
The exhibition is currently open to the public in the South Fireplace Room (Déli Kandallóterm) of the Hungarian National Museum and will be available for viewing until June 7, 2026. Visitors can explore not only the artifacts but also gain insight into the behind-the-scenes work of the archaeological process.
Future Implications
Given the current state of the research, it is likely that further “chapters” of this discovery will emerge. The ongoing interdisciplinary studies could potentially reveal more about the genetic makeup and lifestyle of the Conquest-era elite, while the upcoming film installments may provide further evidence regarding the military and economic context of the region through the analysis of coins and animal remains.
