900 Bronze Artifacts Reveal Mysterious Rituals of a 3,400-Year-Old European Civilization

These bronze treasures, buried for over 3,400 years, reveal shocking details about a long-forgotten European society. What these items uncover about their rituals will change everything we thought we knew.

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Early Iron Age Metal Artifacts Recovered From Somló Hill, Hungary
Early Iron Age Metal Artifacts Recovered From Somló Hill, Hungary. Image credit: Bence Soós et al; Photo by László György | The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel

A significant archaeological discovery on Somló Hill in western Hungary has uncovered over 900 metal artifacts, some of which date back more than 3,400 years. The objects, ranging from jewelry to weapons, were found carefully buried on the volcanic hill, offering a rare and detailed glimpse into the lives of ancient societies during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Researchers have now pieced together a better understanding of the people who lived in this region, though their identity remains a mystery.

Uncovering the Metal Hoards

The recent excavation, published in the journal Antiquity, led by archaeologist Bence Soós from the Hungarian National Museum, revealed six metal hoards, some dating back to the 15th century BCE. These hoards contain a range of objects such as jewelry, military decorations, weapons, and bronze vessels. The hoards were buried in the southeastern part of Somló Hill, which stands out due to its elevation above the surrounding flat landscape. The discovery of these hoards not only marks an important archaeological breakthrough but also offers a deeper understanding of ancient burial practices.

Artifacts discovered include items typically associated with the Bronze and Iron Ages, particularly from the Late Bronze Age (1400–1300 BCE), though the majority of finds date to around 1080–900 BCE. The artifacts provide evidence of the region’s advanced metallurgical practices, highlighting how metalworking was a crucial part of the society’s culture. This discovery suggests that Somló Hill might have been a central location for bronze production, with several items showing signs of local craftsmanship.

A selection of metal objects
Some of the metal artifacts dating to the Early Iron Age that archaeologists found on Somló Hill in Hungary. (Image credit: Bence Soós et al; Photo by László György; CC BY 4.0)

A Glimpse into the Past with Metal Assemblages

What makes this find even more remarkable is the discovery of objects stored within ceramic vessels—this is the first time such a practice has been documented in western Hungary at the end of the Late Bronze Age. Items like amber beads, fabric, leather remains, and even wild boar tusks were found alongside the metal objects, further illuminating the cultural practices of the time. This form of hoarding—burying objects in special containers—likely had ritualistic or symbolic significance, pointing to the possibility that these items were buried as part of ceremonies or religious rites.

In addition to the hoards, the archaeological team uncovered parts of a building, providing more context to the site. While no metal-producing workshop has yet been confirmed, these findings suggest that Somló Hill may have been more than just a religious or ceremonial site. Instead, it could have served as a functional settlement, possibly inhabited by a group of elites or tribal leaders.

a close-up of a metal spearhead
Different views of an alpine-style spearhead that archaeologists found in Hoard I on Somló Hill in Hungary. (Image credit: Bence Soós et al; CC BY 4.0)

Understanding the Transition from Bronze to Iron

Somló Hill’s archaeological significance extends beyond the hoards. The site offers invaluable insights into the transitional period between the Bronze and Iron Ages, a time that remains poorly understood in this part of Europe. One of the key findings, Hoard V, represents the first known example of local metal deposition customs, a practice where metal objects were buried intentionally, likely as part of a ritual or symbolic tradition.

These discoveries align with earlier speculations that the region was home to tribal or clan-based societies, possibly governed by warrior elites. The burial practices and the presence of items like weapons and military decorations suggest that Somló Hill could have served as a center of power during the transition from the Bronze to the Iron Age. This period of change was crucial for understanding the evolution of social structures in Europe, and these findings provide a clearer picture of how people in this region may have lived.

a map of a hilltop where the hoard was found
A map showing (A) Somló Hill in Hungary; (B) The topography of the research area at Somló Hill; and (C) the locations of the unearthed artifacts. (Image credit: Bence Soós et al; CC BY 4.0)

As of April 2025, the research team has recovered more than 900 metal finds, most of which have come from the southeastern plateau of the hill. The team’s work continues, and they hope to uncover even more about the chronology of the site and the rituals surrounding the burial practices. The use of technologies like lidar (light detection and ranging) and metal detectors has allowed for precise mapping of the area, ensuring that future excavations will continue to add valuable knowledge to our understanding of this ancient civilization.

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