Bronze age marvel: 300 ancient artifacts found on Somló Hill
Archaeologists have unearthed a Bronze Age treasure trove on Somló Hill in western Hungary, containing over 300 artifacts. This natural elevation, an extinct volcano, still holds many secrets.
The discovery on Somló Hill is remarkable. Located in a small wine region in northwestern Hungary, positioned between Lake Balaton and the Austrian border, the area is primarily known for its complex and full-bodied white wines. The centerpiece of the region is Somló Hill, an extinct volcano. Deep below the surface, a Bronze Age treasure over 3,000 years old was discovered. In the first year of research, more than 300 artifacts were uncovered, including numerous bronze items. This suggests the area may have been a hub for bronze production.
What treasures does Somló Hill hold?
This discovery was detailed in the scientific journal "Antiquity." Among the artifacts found on Somló Hill were items from the Late Bronze Age, dating from 1400-900 BCE, and from the Early Iron Age, from 800-450 BCE. This finding is crucial for understanding the Hallstatt culture, renowned for its advanced metalworking in Central and Western Europe. People of this culture crafted distinctive bronze sheet vessels—situlae—often meticulously and richly decorated.
"The settlement on the hill appears to have been continuous during the transition to the Early Iron Age," wrote researchers in "Antiquity," led by Bence Soós from the Hungarian National Museum. The items discovered include not only metal artifacts like spearheads but also amber beads, boar and domestic pig tusks, and elements of textiles and leather. Sediment studies also revealed the presence of lentils and millet, staples of the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Somló Hill was a special place for this culture
Some historical records from the late 19th century suggest other ancient artifacts were found at the base of the hill and nearby areas, but details about these finds are scarce.
The discovery on Somló, as described by researchers, is significant because it may help establish the chronology and geographical reach of the Hallstatt culture. The hill, rising to 1,414 feet, remains untouched by modern mining activities, making it an ideal site for archaeological research. "The treasures found indicate a deliberate and complex tradition of gathering on Somló Hill," the scientists noted.
Archaeologists plan to conduct radiocarbon dating on some materials, which could provide valuable insights into the transitional period between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
