Archaeologists were able to discover the burial site of an ancient warrior from over 1,300 years ago.
Avar Roots
The site was found to be complete with a weapon cache, a full armor complement, and some horse remains. It was discovered last November at the outskirts of Ebes village in eastern Hungary.
The area is believed to date back to the seventh century's first half, back in the Avar period. Originally a group of nomadic people, Avars had Asian origins and eventually settled in southeastern and central Europe, including present-day Hungary. They made a multiethnic empire that persisted for over two centuries.
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Burial Site Uncovered
Specialists were able to find the Avar warrior resting on the grave that was relatively shallow. The warrior's horse was observed to be buried on top of the man.
Archaeologists were also able to unearth what is presumed to be a lamellar armor full set spread out on the coffin of the warrior under the horse. This kind of armor was crucial when it came to the equipment of the Avar heavy cavalry. It consisted of hundreds of tiny plates of different types of iron that were stitched with one another.
On top of this, researchers also found the quiver of the warrior with arrows. They also found his sword and bow that were placed on his armor.
According to archaeologist Tamara Haga from the Deri Museum, who is examining the remains, the assemblage's significance is in the full lamellar armor that was discovered on the deceased. While there are pictorial and written representations of such a kind of armor, archaeological findings are the only ones suitable for the structure's accurate reconstruction.
Haga also says that burying with armor was not commonly practiced during this period. However, it is known from various child, female, and male graves. Nevertheless, in the majority of cases, only a few armor fragments or plates are found. There are remarkably few graves where it could be assumed that a full lamellar armor was buried alongside the deceased. Haga also notes that not full lamellar armor has been discovered and documented by archaeologists in an undisturbed condition prior to 2017, when archaeologists were able to find a full and undisturbed lamellar armor set from the Avar period. This archaeological first enabled archaeologists to make a reconstruction that was highly accurate.
Haga explains that since the pieces of armor were made for measuring and were not uniform, as more nearly complete or full armors are unearthed intact, and as they get more thoroughly documented and store, the full picture attained may not just pertain to the armor but also of the heavy cavalry of the Avars.
This is why the burial site boasts of huge significance. Haga notes that it serves as the second lamellar armor that could potentially be described as complete and that was discovered during excavations in a relatively intact condition.
Apart from the remains of the horse, the full contents of the burial have been lifted from the grave. These findings are being analyzed and investigated. Haga explains that this will enable the interpretation and reconstructive of the armor and that it will offer more data regarding lamellar armors from the Avar period.
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