Archaeologists Discover Ancient Cemetery at BYD Factory Site near Szeged
Excavations at a new auto factory construction site near Szeged, Hungary have led to unexpected discoveries from the Avar period. The archaeologists from the Hungarian National Museum and the Móra Ferenc Museum conducted a large-scale excavation on the 300-hectare site, which has now revealed a complete cemetery from the Avar era.
Lead archaeologist Kornél Sóskuti explained that the excavation process followed all required protocols and was done in collaboration with the developer, BYD, who has shown a strong commitment to preserving local archaeological heritage. The initial work began with trial excavations and eventually led to the discovery of the cemetery with 152 graves containing remarkable artifacts such as gold earrings and a Byzantine bell.
Despite the site being a low-lying plain that was once flooded by the Tisza River, significant finds have been uncovered, suggesting that the region has been continuously inhabited from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The excavation work is ongoing, with researchers continuing to monitor the site for any new discoveries as construction progresses.
The archaeological team will remain on-site for the coming months to ensure that any additional finds are carefully documented. The discovery of the Avar-era cemetery has shed light on the historical significance of the area and highlights the importance of conducting thorough excavations before large-scale construction projects.
