History Beneath Our Feet: Roman Fortress and Medieval Village Unearthed!
Would you ever have guessed that where the capital’s modern buildings rise today, life was already bustling one and two thousand years ago? During excavations at the Bodor Street site, archaeologists have uncovered finds that are a true treat not only for local residents, but for every history enthusiast.
The excavated layers invite us on a journey through multiple eras: traces of an Árpád-era village, parts of a medieval settlement, and nearly two-thousand-year-old Roman-period relics have all emerged from beneath the soil.
A Roman Fortification Beneath Modern Budapest
One of the most exciting discoveries of the archaeological excavation is linked to the fortification system of the famous Roman Contra Aquincum (formerly known as Transaquincum). Specialists have successfully identified the continuation of the former fort’s defensive ditch, which faithfully reflects the military and engineering genius of the Roman Empire.
The dimensions of this ancient earthwork are impressive even by modern standards:
Width: Approximately 7 meters
Depth: Nearly 2 meters
The massive scale of the ditch clearly illustrates the strategic importance this area held for the Romans. It seems they knew very well where it was worth building!
4th-Century Tile Tomb and Hidden Treasures
During the excavation, archaeologists also opened a 4th-century Roman tile tomb (tegula grave). Ceramic artifacts and finely crafted glass beads were recovered from the burial, bringing the past closer to home and offering a glimpse into the daily lives and funerary customs of the people who once lived here.
Check Out the Excavation on Facebook!
Curious to see what a real archaeological dig looks like up close? We present the most fascinating moments of the excavation in a video on Facebook! See how centuries-old artifacts emerge from the ground and take a look behind the scenes!
Where Past Meets Future: An Archaeological Nature Trail in the City
iDOM, the developer of the Beluga Garden project being built on the site, considers it a top priority to preserve the values of the past. Upon completion of the construction works, an archaeological educational trail will be created on-site, allowing pedestrians and history enthusiasts to explore the rich heritage of the area in the future.
Note: The renderings and images of the educational trail are for illustrative purposes only; the final design will be established at a later stage.
What Comes Next?
The archaeological field operations are gradually coming to an end—thanks to a strictly planned schedule, the excavation proceeded smoothly and in full coordination with the construction timeline. Piling and raft foundation works will soon begin on the site, meaning the contours of the latest modern building will shortly take shape above the layers of history.
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