### **Ancient Metal Hoards Unearthed on Hungary’s Somló Hill Reveal Bronze Age Secrets**
Archaeologists have uncovered at least six ancient metal hoards hidden around a mysterious settlement on Hungary’s Somló Hill, dating back as early as the 15th century B.C. Using metal detectors and lidar technology, researchers discovered over 300 artifacts from the Late Bronze Age (1450–800 B.C.) and Early Iron Age (800–450 B.C.), including jewelry, weapons, and military decorations. The findings, published in *Antiquity*, also revealed amber beads, fabric remnants, and boar tusks, offering new insights into the region’s prehistoric communities.
Somló Hill, a volcanic peak in western Hungary, has long been known for its wine production, but its archaeological significance was recognized in the 19th century when local farmers began unearthing ancient relics. The recent study, led by Bence Soós of the Hungarian National Museum, confirms that the hill was a major settlement between the 13th and 6th centuries B.C. The discovery of elite grave goods in nearby burial mounds suggests that Somló may have been a power center for warrior-led clans.
### **Ritual Metal Deposits and a Transitional Era**
One of the most significant finds, dubbed *Hoard V*, provides the first evidence of ritual metal deposition customs in western Hungary during the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. This hoard, stored inside a ceramic vessel, marks a unique discovery for the region. Researchers also found evidence of local bronze production, though no metal workshop has been confirmed yet. The artifacts, including an alpine-style spearhead, suggest that Somló’s inhabitants were part of a tribal society with strong warrior traditions.
Future excavations aim to clarify the timeline of Somló’s habitation and the cultural practices behind these hidden hoards. The findings highlight the hill’s role as a potential political and ritual center, deepening our understanding of prehistoric Europe’s social and technological evolution.
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