Archaeologists excavating a Roman settlement in Hungary have discovered a lead statue of Venus, marking the first known religious find from the site. The discovery could offer new clues about the beliefs and daily lives of people who lived there during the Roman period. The statue depicts Venus Pudica, a representation of the Roman goddess Venus. Researchers discovered the small artifact during a metal detector survey at the Pilisszentiván-Hárs forest site.
The Romans identified Venus with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Representations of the goddess spread widely across the ancient Mediterranean world. In another recent discovery, archaeologists found a Roman marble head believed to depict Aphrodite during work on a beach in southeastern Spain.
The settlement, known as a Roman vicus, or village, has been under investigation for four years. Bence Simon of the Department of Ancient Archaeology at Eötvös Loránd University’s Faculty of Humanities led this year’s excavation, which ended Sept. 23.
Venus statue offers evidence of religious life
Researchers consider the Venus figurine particularly significant because it is the first religious monument identified within the settlement area. Until now, excavations had provided little direct evidence of religious activity among its inhabitants. Archaeologists also recovered several objects linked to the Roman presence at the site. The finds included a fragment of a leaded bronze mirror, iron tools, fibulae, or ancient brooches, and coins.
The discovery adds to a growing archaeological picture of Roman-era life in Hungary. Earlier this year, archaeologists uncovered a rare Roman lime kiln near Bicske, where previous work had also revealed parts of a Roman settlement and child burials.
Building E reveals clues to everyday activity
This year, researchers focused on mapping buildings near the previously identified Hársas spring and determining how the structures were used.
Excavations around a structure known as “Building E” revealed an area paved with stone slabs. Similar surfaces have been identified near other houses at the site. Researchers believe the area may have supported economic or work-related activities. An undisturbed layer of collapsed building material also contained a large quantity of pottery, including some largely intact pieces. Archaeologists also recovered an almost completely preserved iron tong.
Roman archaeology elsewhere in Hungary has produced evidence about both everyday and funerary life. In 2025, archaeologists uncovered an intact 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus in northern Budapest, within the ancient settlement of Aquincum.
Researchers plan further study
Hungary’s National Cultural Fund and the Municipality of Pilisszentiván supported this year’s excavation. Although fieldwork has ended for the season, researchers are continuing to analyze the structures and artifacts. The team hopes the results will answer remaining questions about the settlement and guide further excavations next year.
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