Archaeologists from the Hungarian National Museum have uncovered evidence of an extensive Bronze Age settlement on Somló Hill, revealing a sophisticated community that flourished more than 3,000 years ago.
Somló is located north of Lake Balaton in Hungary’s Veszprém County and is best known today for its vineyards and medieval castle. However, archaeological investigations are revealing a much earlier period in the mountain’s history.
Excavations in the area were first conducted during the 19th century, when researchers discovered significant Early Iron Age burial mounds with similarities to finds from Hallstatt in Austria.
Despite the importance of these discoveries, archaeological investigation of Somló’s prehistoric past largely ceased for more than a century. In January 2023, archaeologists Tamás Péterváry, Bence Soós and János Gábor Tarbay of the Hungarian National Museum began a new research programme to investigate the mountain.
One of the first major discoveries came in May 2023, when archaeological volunteer Gábor Révész detected a deposit approximately 30 centimetres beneath the surface.
The initial finds included two spears positioned alongside two large pins with heads resembling poppy seed pods. Further excavation revealed bronze weapons, tools, bracelets, beads and hair ornaments dating from approximately 960 to 900 BC.
The discovery prompted archaeologists to undertake an extensive survey of Somló. Around 100 metal-detector surveys conducted over three years subsequently identified 12 additional deposits containing large quantities of jewellery, including bracelets, anklets, hair ornaments and necklaces made with shell, amber and glass beads.
Researchers believe the objects were deliberately deposited rather than concealed during a period of conflict or instability.
The repeated arrangement and grouping of objects has led archaeologists to suggest that many of the deposits could have been connected with ritual practices. Supporting this interpretation, one deposit was placed above a layer of wild boar tusks at a location overlooking Ság Mountain and the Alps.
Evidence of a major settlement
Alongside the deposits, archaeologists have found extensive evidence for occupation and craft production across Somló Hill.
Discoveries include ceramics, fragments of axes, hammers and chisels, as well as equipment associated with metal casting, stoneworking and weaving.
According to the researchers, the evidence suggests that a substantial settlement developed on Somló during the Late Bronze Age and that many objects were manufactured locally.
The site appears to have been continuously inhabited between approximately 1200 and 450 BC, spanning the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.
During this period, the settlement may have undergone several phases of development, decline and reconstruction. Its function could also have changed over time, potentially developing from an important centre of craft production into a location with greater ceremonial significance.
Among the finds are exceptionally fine needles associated with clothing production, providing further evidence for the technical abilities of Somló’s craftspeople.
Researchers have also suggested that the settlement may have been occupied by members of an elite community, potentially including specialist craftspeople and military leaders. Archaeological traces interpreted as evidence of feasting have also been identified.
The population living on the hill would have required considerable agricultural support. Communities in the surrounding landscape may have cultivated crops including millet, wheat and lentils, while also raising livestock.
Research could continue for decades
Despite three years of investigation, archaeologists are only beginning to understand the scale and importance of Somló.
Future research will examine how the settlement was organised, how its inhabitants supported themselves and what relationships existed between Somló and neighbouring communities.
Researchers also hope to determine more about the origins of the population and the settlement’s connections with other major centres across the Carpathian Basin.
Restoration, laboratory testing and scientific analysis of the discoveries are currently under way, with further targeted excavations planned.
János Gábor Tarbay estimates that it could take as long as 20 years to fully investigate the site and answer many of the questions raised by the discoveries.
The continuing research is providing an increasingly detailed picture of Somló as an important prehistoric centre, offering new insights into Bronze Age settlement, craft production and ritual activity in the Carpathian Basin.
Sources : NatGeo