1,100-Year-Old Warrior Graves Discovered in Southern Hungary

Archaeologists in Akasztó, Hungary, have uncovered the graves of three warriors dating to around A.D. 925–930, led by Wihelm Gábor of the Katona József Museum. A total of 81 coins, mostly minted in northern Italy during Berengar’s reign (A.D. 888–924), were found across the burials, suggesting the warriors may have participated in military campaigns in northern Italy and brought the coins home.

Details of the burials include:

Grave 1: A young man aged 17–18, buried with gilded silver-decorated belt and leather pouch, a gold ring with blue glass stones, silver leg jewelry, gold clothing plates, and horse harness ornaments.
Grave 2: A boy aged 15–16, accompanied by a bow with antler decorations and a quiver with seven arrows.
Grave 3: An adult male aged 30–35, buried with a saber, archery gear, horse harness, silver bracelet, and a belt decorated with coins.

DNA analysis suggests that the oldest warrior may have been the father or brother of the youngest, highlighting family ties within a warrior group. The burials provide insight into the material wealth, martial culture, and mobility of early medieval Hungarian warriors.