Archaeologists excavating a late Roman fortress in Tokod, Hungary, have uncovered valuable artefacts and new evidence of an early Christian church.
The latest discoveries were made during continuing excavations at the Tokod-Várberek archaeological site by the Institute of Archaeology of Pázmány Péter Catholic University, working in cooperation with the Balassa Bálint Museum of the Hungarian National Museum.
This year, archaeologists concentrated their work on the north-eastern corner of the late Roman fortress, where investigations have provided a clearer understanding of the early Christian church that once occupied part of the site.
Excavations revealed further details of the church’s floor plan and helped researchers establish the chronological relationship between its vestibule and nave.
One of the most significant architectural discoveries was the foundation of a ciborium — a canopy or baldachin erected above an altar in early Christian churches. Its identification provides archaeologists with additional evidence for reconstructing the appearance and organisation of the building’s sacred interior.
Researchers also recovered fragments of multicoloured frescoes that had fallen from the wall of the church’s apse. Conservators carefully lifted the surviving pieces so they can be preserved and studied.
Jewellery, coin and key among finds
The excavation produced a substantial collection of metal artefacts, including a fibula, or ancient brooch, as well as a jewelled ring, coin and key.
Further analysis of the objects could provide additional information about the people who occupied or used the fortress and church. The finds are expected to offer opportunities for future academic research, with some potentially becoming subjects for university theses.
The latest field season also involved a record number of students, giving young archaeologists practical experience alongside the excavation team.
In addition to participating in the physical excavation, students were trained in essential archaeological field techniques, including levelling, drawing sections and surfaces, photography and preparing field documentation.
The discoveries add another layer to archaeologists’ understanding of the Tokod-Várberek site, particularly the architecture and decoration of its early Christian church and activity within the late Roman fortress.#
Sources : Dorogi-medence
