Archaeologists in Hungary have uncovered traces of an ancient Sarmatian settlement during excavations near Őrbottyán, a town in Pest County, according to work published by Tragor Ignác Múzeum.
The excavation took place between late February and early March 2026. It was carried out on the edge of the town during earthwork linked to a private development project. Museum specialists supervised the work, with help from volunteer Attila Szalay.
Pits point to a buried village
The site revealed pits and other buried features that had remained hidden for nearly 2,000 years. Researchers identified the remains as part of a late Sarmatian settlement.
The Sarmatians were groups of Iranian origin known for their horse-riding traditions. They began moving into the Carpathian Basin in the first century A.D. Over time, they shaped the culture of large areas across the Great Hungarian Plain. The discovery at Őrbottyán adds another point to the map of Sarmatian occupation in the region.
Finds show daily life
Archaeologists found several circular pits with flat bottoms. Some were cylindrical, while others widened slightly toward the base. These forms are already known from other Sarmatian sites. Researchers said the pits were similar in shape and size. That helped them link the features to the final phase of Sarmatian culture in the area.
A nearly 2,000-year-old Sarmatian settlement has been found on the outskirts of Őrbottyán in Hungary.
Archaeologists found circular pits, pottery, animal bones and a Roman silver coin that helps date the site to the late Sarmatian period. pic.twitter.com/49RNwZlNcc
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) May 18, 2026
The purpose of the pits remains debated. The most likely explanation is that they were first used as storage pits, possibly for food or other goods. Later, some may have been reused as refuse pits. The fill inside the pits contained many animal bones and pottery fragments. These finds offer a look at daily life in the settlement.
An intact pot stands out
The pottery included handmade vessels and pieces made on a fast wheel. This suggests that older craft traditions existed alongside more advanced techniques.
One of the most important finds was a small handmade pot. It was discovered intact inside one of the pits. Complete vessels are rare in rural settlements, where pottery is usually found in broken pieces.
Metal finds were limited, even after intensive metal-detector work. Still, one pit produced two important objects. One was an iron spearhead with a tubular socket. It was badly corroded but preserved in its full length.
Roman coin helps date the site
The other major find was a silver denarius from the reign of Roman Emperor Gallienus, who ruled from A.D. 253 to 268. The coin helps date the site and supports its link to the late Sarmatian period.
Archaeologists also found later remains from the age of the Árpád dynasty, which ruled Hungary from the late ninth century to the early 14th century. These included a large ditch and traces of a possible dwelling with a hearth. The site also produced scattered prehistoric pottery. Researchers said more studies will be needed to identify those findings.
Together, the discoveries make Őrbottyán an important site for understanding central Hungary between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.
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