Péter Levente Szőcs
Satu Mare County Museum, Archaeology, Department Member
- Babes-Bolyai University, History and Archaeology, Department MemberCentral European University, Medieval Studies, Alumnusadd
- Medieval History, Landscape Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Studies, Medieval Art, Early Medieval And Medieval Settlement (Archaeology), and 100 moreMedieval Church History, Cultural History, History, History and archaeology, Archaeology, Medieval Europe, Architecture, Ancient Topography, Landscape History, Medieval Economy, Art History, Historiography (in Art History), Medieval Architecture, Medieval Hungary, Medieval Wall Paintings, Historical Archaeology, Urban History, Early Modern History, Romanesque architecture, Gothic architecture, Architettura Medievale, Castelli E Incastellamento, Medieval fortification, Jagiellonians, Medieval Slavonia, Wladislaus II, Diplomatics (Medieval), Critical edition of medieval documents, Medieval Nobility, Medieval Monasticism, Arpadian Age, Paleography, Hungarian Church History, Kirchenbauten - Mittelater - Barockzeit, Postmedieval Archaeology, Frontier Studies, Post medieval Transylvania, Erdélyi fejedelemség, Kora Újkori Erdély, Transylvania, Pottery consumption, History of Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology In the Mediterranean, Medieval and Post Medieval Pottery In the Mediterranean, Medieval church architecture, Post Medieval Archaeology, Post-Medieval Archaeology, Medieval urban history, Post medieval pottery, Medieval and Post-Medieval Pottery, Post-medieval fortifications, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Medieval numismatics, Artificial Intelligence, Archäologie des Mittelalters, Mittelalterarchäologie, Neuzeitarchäologie, Burgenforschung, Montanarchäologie, Early Medieval Archaeology, Kachelöfen, Medieval Pottery, Mittelalter, Mittelalterliche Keramik, Mittelalter; Befestigungsbau, Fortificatii Medievale, mittelalterliches Mauerwerk, Stadtbefestigung, Stadtmauer, Castle Studies, Geschichte des Mittelalters und der Renaissance, Personengeschichte, Stadtgeschichte, Mittelalterliche Geschichte, Historische Bauforschung, Medieval & Post Medieval Artefacts, Medieval small finds, Medieval Pilgrim Signs and Ampullae, Pilgrimage Archaeology, Medieval lead seals (cloth seals), Pilgrim badges, Pilgrimage, Merchants (Medieval Studies), Late Medieval Archaeology, Medieval ceramics (Archaeology), Stadtarchäologie, Stadtgeschichte, Medieval Fortifications, Castles and Fortifications, Medieval castles, Castles, Fortifications, Medieval Castles and Fortresses, Stove Tiles, Pottery (Archaeology), Ceramica Medievale, Ceramica postmedievale, Ceramics (Archaeology), Archeologia medievale, Ofenkacheln, Ofenkeramik, and Stovetilesedit
Baia Mare (Nagybánya in Hungarian, a town today in Northwestern Romania) was an important mining town in medieval Hungary. It was called Rivulus Dominarum, meaning "Lady's Creek." The town owed its emergence and prosperity to gold and... more
Baia Mare (Nagybánya in Hungarian, a town today in Northwestern Romania) was an important mining town in medieval Hungary. It was called Rivulus Dominarum, meaning "Lady's Creek." The town owed its emergence and prosperity to gold and silver mining and related minting. The town, therefore, was an important economic centre, not only in the region but also for the whole Hungarian Kingdom. Once a large parish church stood near the main square, but it became almost entirely dismantled, only its tower standing since the second half of the 19th century. From 2012 to 2014, archaeological excavations were carried out in the parish church and its surroundings; the results allow us to outline a much more detailed picture of this significant medieval building. 2
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Nagybánya (Baia Mare, Románia) a középkori Magyarország egyik fontos bányavárosa volt, amelyet Rivulus Dominarum-nak, vagyis Asszonypatakának neveztek. A város arany- és ezüstbányászatának, valamint az ehhez kapcsolódó, itt zajló... more
Nagybánya (Baia Mare, Románia) a középkori Magyarország egyik fontos bányavárosa volt, amelyet Rivulus Dominarum-nak, vagyis Asszonypatakának neveztek. A város arany- és ezüstbányászatának, valamint az ehhez kapcsolódó, itt zajló pénzverésnek köszönheti kialakulását és virágzását. Mint ilyen, a térség fontos gazdasági központja volt, de a nemesfém-bányászat miatt országos jelentőségre is szert tett. A település főteréhez közel nagyméretű plébániatemplom állt, amelyet azonban jórészt elbontottak; a 19. század második fele óta csak a templom tornya áll. Az egykori plébániatemplom környezetében 2012 és 2014 között régészeti feltárások folytak, melyek eredményei az eddig ismertnél lényegesen részletesebb képet engednek megrajzolni e jelentős középkori műemlékről
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On the ecclesiastical topography of Nagybánya / Baia Mare and its region during the Middle Ages
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Medieval and early modern book fittings discovered at the St. Stephan church of Baia Mare / Nagybánya
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Archeological observations on the St. Stephan Church of Baia Mare. Preliminary results The St. Stephan church, demolished during the 19th century, was the most important architectural monument of Gothic style in the region. The parish... more
Archeological observations on the St. Stephan Church of Baia Mare. Preliminary results
The St. Stephan church, demolished during the 19th century, was the most important architectural monument
of Gothic style in the region. The parish church was located in the city center, on a square adjacent to the city center.
The edifice had three naves and an elongated, pentagonal altar. In the southwestern corner of the nave was built the
tower, called Stephen Tower, the only structure preserved to this day from the church. The archaeological excavations
were started in three campaigns, between 2012 and 2014. The researches preceded respectively accompanied the
rehabilitation works of the park near St. Stephen’s Tower. During the research the remnants of the former parish
church were revealed and thus, the main building phases could be established. To the east from the church, another
two church buildings were identified, which are demolished today, but both of them are of medieval origins: St.
Martin and St. Catherine. A total of 804 archaeological complexes have been identified. Besides the ones related
to the medieval churches, the most significant number of complexes, around 500, are the graves of the cemetery
surrounding the churches. These are datable to the 14th and 18th centuries. A third category of complexes identified
in the excavation are those belonging to the wooden constructions, datable earlier than the parish church, but not
older than the beginning of the 13th century. The exhibition offers an insight on the most important grave-goods
discovered, and regards them as sources and starting point of the social history of the town Baia Mare.
The St. Stephan church, demolished during the 19th century, was the most important architectural monument
of Gothic style in the region. The parish church was located in the city center, on a square adjacent to the city center.
The edifice had three naves and an elongated, pentagonal altar. In the southwestern corner of the nave was built the
tower, called Stephen Tower, the only structure preserved to this day from the church. The archaeological excavations
were started in three campaigns, between 2012 and 2014. The researches preceded respectively accompanied the
rehabilitation works of the park near St. Stephen’s Tower. During the research the remnants of the former parish
church were revealed and thus, the main building phases could be established. To the east from the church, another
two church buildings were identified, which are demolished today, but both of them are of medieval origins: St.
Martin and St. Catherine. A total of 804 archaeological complexes have been identified. Besides the ones related
to the medieval churches, the most significant number of complexes, around 500, are the graves of the cemetery
surrounding the churches. These are datable to the 14th and 18th centuries. A third category of complexes identified
in the excavation are those belonging to the wooden constructions, datable earlier than the parish church, but not
older than the beginning of the 13th century. The exhibition offers an insight on the most important grave-goods
discovered, and regards them as sources and starting point of the social history of the town Baia Mare.
Research Interests:
The town of Baia Mare / Nagybánya was on of the important centers of silver and gold-mining, and coin-minting in medieval Hungary. The earliest written source which mentions the town dates back to the beginning of the 14th century, while... more
The town of Baia Mare / Nagybánya was on of the important centers of silver and gold-mining, and coin-minting in medieval Hungary. The earliest written source which mentions the town dates back to the beginning of the 14th century, while the town-privileges were issued at the middle of the century. According to these charters the community of the town enjoyed considerable liberties, and settled the taxation of gold mining and processing. The parish church of the town, dedicated to king St Stephan, was built around the middle of the 14th century, and it was extended and repaired several times during its existence, until the middle of the 19th century, when it was demolished. Its remains, along with two neighbouring chapels, were uncovered during the archaeological excavations in 2012 to 2014. Around the three churches, more than 700 burials were discovered. They present the usual features of the churchyard cemeteries, being rather agglomerated, in most of the cases the later burials destroyed or, at least, disturbed the earlier ones. The paper presents several early modern burials from the churchyard cemetery, and focuses on the finds which indicates the funeral rites and piety of the persons buried here: the remnants of the coffins and shrouds and their decorations, traces of vestment, prayer chaplets, piety-coins. The archaeological discoveries are compared with the historical sources and ethnographic observations.
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On the Franciscan Cloister of Medieșu Aurit Situated in Satu Mare County, during the Middle Ages Medieșu Aurit / Aranyosmeggyes was the center of a huge domain which comprised the Oaș and villages along the Someș River. The owners, the... more
On the Franciscan Cloister of Medieșu Aurit
Situated in Satu Mare County, during the Middle Ages Medieșu Aurit / Aranyosmeggyes was the center of a huge domain which comprised the Oaș and villages along the Someș River. The owners, the Móric of Medieș noble family established here their residence and built a fortified manor house. The settlement gained several privileges and became a market town toward the 15th century. In this context, the establishment of the Franciscans here, was a sign of urbanization, and the result of the patronage of the owners. Historical sources document the existence of the cloister from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, until he 1560s, when it was destroyed during the Ottoman Wars. The ruins of the church were still visible during the 19th century, but they were lost a century later. The exact location of the ruins were identified through archaeological prospections and several sondages. With these methods, the ground-plan arrangement of the choir was identified, too, together with the northern tower, built next to the tower. For details of building phases and chronology, further researches are needed.
Situated in Satu Mare County, during the Middle Ages Medieșu Aurit / Aranyosmeggyes was the center of a huge domain which comprised the Oaș and villages along the Someș River. The owners, the Móric of Medieș noble family established here their residence and built a fortified manor house. The settlement gained several privileges and became a market town toward the 15th century. In this context, the establishment of the Franciscans here, was a sign of urbanization, and the result of the patronage of the owners. Historical sources document the existence of the cloister from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, until he 1560s, when it was destroyed during the Ottoman Wars. The ruins of the church were still visible during the 19th century, but they were lost a century later. The exact location of the ruins were identified through archaeological prospections and several sondages. With these methods, the ground-plan arrangement of the choir was identified, too, together with the northern tower, built next to the tower. For details of building phases and chronology, further researches are needed.
Research Interests:
The Lónyai castle of Medieșu Aurit was built in the 17th century, on the site of a Medieval manor house. The building is ruined now, therefore rehabilitation works are planned to be carried out. A small scale rescue excavation was made at... more
The Lónyai castle of Medieșu Aurit was built in the 17th century, on the site of a Medieval manor house. The building is ruined now, therefore rehabilitation works are planned to be carried out. A small scale rescue excavation was made at the ruins in order to provide data for geological studies and architectural project. Two trenches were opened, in order to establish the stratigraphy and the building phases. As a result of the excavation, the building features of the foundations were recorded and two ruined structures, added to the western façade were identified
The castle is situated in the centre of the village of Medieşu Aurit (Aranyosmeggyes), in the park near the crossroad. It was built around 1630, by Sigismund Lónyai, politician and diplomat of great influence in the court of prince... more
The castle is situated in the centre of the village of Medieşu Aurit (Aranyosmeggyes), in the park near the crossroad. It was built around 1630, by Sigismund Lónyai, politician and diplomat of great influence in the court of prince Gabriel Bethlen. Due to the connections with the Transylvanian princely court, the castle became the most beautiful Renaissance castle in Hungary and Transylvania. After the death of the builder, the castle is shared by his daughters, and then, in the 18th and 19th centuries, is inherited by the Csáky, Wesslényi and Teleki families. Because it was not used as permanent residence, the castle slowly deteriorated. In 1941, a comprehensive renovation was made, coordinated by the architect Kálmán Lux. In 1944, however, the castle, used as a military hospital, was put on fire. Starting with this period, the castle became a ruin and it degraded gradually .
According to the fashion of the time, introduced and developed by the prince of Transylvania, Gabriel Bethlen, the castle has a rectangular plan. The four wings of the building make an inside yard, and every corner of the castle is fit with a bastion-tower of old Italian type. The elements of fortification consisted of a ditch, which is still visible, and probably a wall with mobile bridge, that sheltered other constructions with various functions. The south-eastern wing has the main facade and it raises three levels above the ground. The tower situated on the median side, raises one level above the main facade. The third floor of the facade goes along other wings in a mansard-roof that was at first covered with shingle and fit with defense windows for shooting. The second level of the castle was occupied by the lords, while the ground floor used to accommodate the servants, here was the kitchen and the storage rooms. It is certain, that the bedroom of Sigismund Lónyai was situated at the second level. Near the bedroom, a room for the servants and a latrine were built. Also, here was the entrance towards the “old palace” or the “gold chamber”, the most representative room of the castle. This room was decorated with rugs, carpets and paintings. Probably the same decorations ornamented the room called “Paradise”, which today can not be located. The cellar was probably spreading under the three wings of the castle. The main entrance is the most important decorative element of the facade preserved until nowadays. It is fit with stone column on both sides, decorated with rosettes and a tympanum at the upper part that used to hold the coat of arms of Lónyai family. The stone-frame of the windows are fit with a tympanum decorated with leaves and creeping stalks, the door frames being similar.
According to the fashion of the time, introduced and developed by the prince of Transylvania, Gabriel Bethlen, the castle has a rectangular plan. The four wings of the building make an inside yard, and every corner of the castle is fit with a bastion-tower of old Italian type. The elements of fortification consisted of a ditch, which is still visible, and probably a wall with mobile bridge, that sheltered other constructions with various functions. The south-eastern wing has the main facade and it raises three levels above the ground. The tower situated on the median side, raises one level above the main facade. The third floor of the facade goes along other wings in a mansard-roof that was at first covered with shingle and fit with defense windows for shooting. The second level of the castle was occupied by the lords, while the ground floor used to accommodate the servants, here was the kitchen and the storage rooms. It is certain, that the bedroom of Sigismund Lónyai was situated at the second level. Near the bedroom, a room for the servants and a latrine were built. Also, here was the entrance towards the “old palace” or the “gold chamber”, the most representative room of the castle. This room was decorated with rugs, carpets and paintings. Probably the same decorations ornamented the room called “Paradise”, which today can not be located. The cellar was probably spreading under the three wings of the castle. The main entrance is the most important decorative element of the facade preserved until nowadays. It is fit with stone column on both sides, decorated with rosettes and a tympanum at the upper part that used to hold the coat of arms of Lónyai family. The stone-frame of the windows are fit with a tympanum decorated with leaves and creeping stalks, the door frames being similar.
Research Interests:
Contributions to the history of the castle of Aranyosmeggyes /Medieșu Aurit/ during the 17th century The castle is situated in the centre of the village of Medieşu Aurit (Aranyosmeggyes), in the park near the crossroad. It was built... more
Contributions to the history of the castle of Aranyosmeggyes /Medieșu Aurit/ during the 17th century
The castle is situated in the centre of the village of Medieşu Aurit (Aranyosmeggyes), in the park near the crossroad. It was built around 1630, by Sigismund Lónyai, politician and diplomat of great influence in the court of prince Gabriel Bethlen. Due to the connections with the Transylvanian princely court, the castle became the most beautiful Renaissance castle in Hungary and Transylvania. After the death of the builder, the castle is shared by his daughters. Two documents referring to the history of the castle are published and analysed. The first one is issued in 1656 and it is the partition of the castle among the successors of Sigismund Lonyai. The second one dates from 1696, and it is an inventory of the castle
The castle is situated in the centre of the village of Medieşu Aurit (Aranyosmeggyes), in the park near the crossroad. It was built around 1630, by Sigismund Lónyai, politician and diplomat of great influence in the court of prince Gabriel Bethlen. Due to the connections with the Transylvanian princely court, the castle became the most beautiful Renaissance castle in Hungary and Transylvania. After the death of the builder, the castle is shared by his daughters. Two documents referring to the history of the castle are published and analysed. The first one is issued in 1656 and it is the partition of the castle among the successors of Sigismund Lonyai. The second one dates from 1696, and it is an inventory of the castle
Research Interests:
On the Medieval Topography of the Towns of Satu Mare and Mintiu During the Middle Ages the towns of Satu Mare/Szatmár and Mintiu/Németi were situated on the opposite bank of river Someş/Szamos, as two distinct settlements. They were... more
On the Medieval Topography of the Towns of Satu Mare and Mintiu
During the Middle Ages the towns of Satu Mare/Szatmár and Mintiu/Németi were situated on the opposite
bank of river Someş/Szamos, as two distinct settlements. They were located close to each other, and they shared
mostly a common history, but they kept their administrative separation until 1712. The close geographical
position, and their parallel history, formed the two towns as twin-settlements, a situation which created a rather
special topographical arrangement for medieval Hungary. Unfortunately, due to the Ottoman Wars of the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries, and the massive rebuilding during the modern period, the medieval townscapes of the
two twin settlements were not preserved. Using the methodological and conceptual framework developed for the series of the Atlases of Historical Towns, the study analyses the dominant elements of the two towns’ topography: watercourses, fortifications, dominant buildings, and town-parcels. A review of the sources on these topographical elements is given, parallel with the assessment of their relevance for the medieval period. Except of the position of the parish churches, and the trace of the main roads, no other element can be traced back earlier than the sixteenth century, most precisely before the period of the Ottoman Wars.
During the Middle Ages the towns of Satu Mare/Szatmár and Mintiu/Németi were situated on the opposite
bank of river Someş/Szamos, as two distinct settlements. They were located close to each other, and they shared
mostly a common history, but they kept their administrative separation until 1712. The close geographical
position, and their parallel history, formed the two towns as twin-settlements, a situation which created a rather
special topographical arrangement for medieval Hungary. Unfortunately, due to the Ottoman Wars of the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries, and the massive rebuilding during the modern period, the medieval townscapes of the
two twin settlements were not preserved. Using the methodological and conceptual framework developed for the series of the Atlases of Historical Towns, the study analyses the dominant elements of the two towns’ topography: watercourses, fortifications, dominant buildings, and town-parcels. A review of the sources on these topographical elements is given, parallel with the assessment of their relevance for the medieval period. Except of the position of the parish churches, and the trace of the main roads, no other element can be traced back earlier than the sixteenth century, most precisely before the period of the Ottoman Wars.
Research Interests:
In the context of medieval Central Europe, the growing number case studies has widened the church-centered archaeological approach to include the whole monastic complex, providing new data on its architectural features and on the... more
In the context of medieval Central Europe, the growing number case studies has widened the church-centered archaeological approach to include the whole monastic complex, providing new data on its architectural features and on the surrounding cemetery. These features provide a large number of new evidences, which must be contextualized with the written or other sources. In case of monastic patronage, the analysis of cemeteries, of the individual burials and the grave goods, seems to be the most significant. Although there are as yet no attempts at synthetic analysis, several elements of cemetery topography, especially the inner structure and the structures of burials (whether they are built or embedded with stones or bricks) have been
interpreted as signs of social status that might identify the burials of founders and patrons of the monastery. In parallel, certain grave-goods (like S-ended earrings) regarded in the previous research as significant for social attributions, were accredited with less importance, questioning their chronology and even their use.
Apart from burials, elements of monastic complex, such as chapels, cloister buildings, or annexes to the church might have several functions in context of the patronage. Moreover, art historical debates discuss the function of western galleries and of the oratories inside of the abbey church
as places of the patrons and spaces of social display. The paper analyzes, through several case studies from the medieval Hungarian Kingdom, those elements of the monastic complex which might indicate the relation of the monastic community with their lay patrons.
interpreted as signs of social status that might identify the burials of founders and patrons of the monastery. In parallel, certain grave-goods (like S-ended earrings) regarded in the previous research as significant for social attributions, were accredited with less importance, questioning their chronology and even their use.
Apart from burials, elements of monastic complex, such as chapels, cloister buildings, or annexes to the church might have several functions in context of the patronage. Moreover, art historical debates discuss the function of western galleries and of the oratories inside of the abbey church
as places of the patrons and spaces of social display. The paper analyzes, through several case studies from the medieval Hungarian Kingdom, those elements of the monastic complex which might indicate the relation of the monastic community with their lay patrons.
Research Interests: Monastic Studies, Ecclesiastical Patronage, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Archaeology of Medieval Monasteries, Patronage (Medieval Studies), and 4 moreMedieval Monasticism, Medieval Monasteries, Medieval Archaeology, Churchyard Archaeology, Slandscape Archaeology, and Archeology of Medieval Monasteries
Research Interests:
The scientific researches of the two museums are primarily focused on local and regional themes and subjects. With the beginning of the 90's cross-border cooperation's started to flourish in our region that has helped in bringing forward... more
The scientific researches of the two museums are primarily focused on local and regional themes and subjects. With the beginning of the 90's cross-border cooperation's started to flourish in our region that has helped in bringing forward countless results in scientific research in our area. Also, with the beginning of the 90's parallel researches were now a possibility to conduct that helped the historic city of Sătmar to be viewed in its integrity despite being separated by administrative borders of different countries. For many decades these administrative borders have separated archeological sites, ethnographic regions and of course archive documents and collections, therefore parallel research and complementary research of the historic region of Sătmar was a scientific necessity. This procedure however is not effortless, in many cases studying the historic region of Sătmar brought forward many technical challenges. For instance, the integrity of the region was studied in two languages and different terminologies, chronologies, with distinguishable implemented methods that many times have differed, leaving us sometimes with incompatible results or even worse, contradictory results. The two museum institutions therefore vowed in order to combat these difficulties encountered, to create a common framework of dialogues and cooperation in order to bring the results of research closer together. Benefiting from the opportunities cross-border cooperation has given the institutions as a supplementary plus in the field of research. Cercetările științifice întreprinse în cadrul celor două instituții muzeale sunt concentrate în principal pe teme locale și județene. Din anii 1990, parteneriatele transfrontaliere au cunoscut o înflorire care a adus rezultate și în cercetarea științifică. Deschiderea graniței a oferit posibilitatea ca cercetările să aibă teme care abordau teritorii peste limitele administrative mo-derne (inclusiv cele de stat), astfel obiectul cercetărilor a devenit unitățile teritoriale istorice, arheologice și etnografice tradiționale-un aspect esențial pentru Sătmarul istoric, împărțit de granițe administrative. Începând cu anii 1990 s-a putut reorganiza cercetarea paralelă a terito-riilor istorice ale Sătmarului, atât în partea de vest a fostului comitat, inclus în Ungaria, județul Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, cât și în partea centrală aflată în județul Satu Mare și partea estică
Research Interests:
CROSS -BORDER TOPOGR APHIC RESEARCH IN THE UPPER TISZA REGION The accurate mapping is crucial to the effective protection of archaeological sites. Despite this, the systematic archaeological survey of the Upper Tisza Region has not been... more
CROSS -BORDER TOPOGR APHIC RESEARCH IN THE UPPER TISZA REGION
The accurate mapping is crucial to the effective protection of archaeological sites. Despite this,
the systematic archaeological survey of the Upper Tisza Region has not been completed yet. The need for such a survey is ever more urgent in the wake of major development projects and intensifying metal detectoring activity. The latter is not surprising, given that this region
is extremely rich in bronze hoards, assemblages that are among the favourite “trophies” of detectorists.
In the light of the above, it seemed relevant to propose the extension of the archaeological survey of Hungary to the region in question, and we submitted a proposal to this effect to the Ministry of Interior and to the Institute of Archaeology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
in 2012–2013. Already at that time, we emphasised that the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Museum (Nyíregyháza) and the Satu Mare County Museum (Satu Mare) had conducted several joint projects such as common fieldwalkings and the publication of village monographs within the framework of a Hungarian-Romanian Cross-border Project, which could serve as
preliminary studies for an archaeological survey. The two-decades-long co-operation between our museums has created the necessary foundation for the cross-border activity. In this way, we took the first step towards our final goal, the creation of a continuously updated register of all the archaeological sites in the Carpathian Basin.
The proposed project is a complex research: it is designed to connect archaeological sites
and relevant architectural monuments (including vernacular architecture). For data processing,
we can make use of a GIS-based system (EMIR: Unified Museum Information System database and ArcWiew).
We consider it important to continue the publication of the popular monographs of the researched villages, a tradition we began during the Hungarian-Romanian Cross-border Project. The research background to each volume included the systematic field survey, aerial photography and geophysical survey of the given territories. To date, twenty-six volumes of the
settlement monograph series have been completed.
The accurate mapping is crucial to the effective protection of archaeological sites. Despite this,
the systematic archaeological survey of the Upper Tisza Region has not been completed yet. The need for such a survey is ever more urgent in the wake of major development projects and intensifying metal detectoring activity. The latter is not surprising, given that this region
is extremely rich in bronze hoards, assemblages that are among the favourite “trophies” of detectorists.
In the light of the above, it seemed relevant to propose the extension of the archaeological survey of Hungary to the region in question, and we submitted a proposal to this effect to the Ministry of Interior and to the Institute of Archaeology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences
in 2012–2013. Already at that time, we emphasised that the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Museum (Nyíregyháza) and the Satu Mare County Museum (Satu Mare) had conducted several joint projects such as common fieldwalkings and the publication of village monographs within the framework of a Hungarian-Romanian Cross-border Project, which could serve as
preliminary studies for an archaeological survey. The two-decades-long co-operation between our museums has created the necessary foundation for the cross-border activity. In this way, we took the first step towards our final goal, the creation of a continuously updated register of all the archaeological sites in the Carpathian Basin.
The proposed project is a complex research: it is designed to connect archaeological sites
and relevant architectural monuments (including vernacular architecture). For data processing,
we can make use of a GIS-based system (EMIR: Unified Museum Information System database and ArcWiew).
We consider it important to continue the publication of the popular monographs of the researched villages, a tradition we began during the Hungarian-Romanian Cross-border Project. The research background to each volume included the systematic field survey, aerial photography and geophysical survey of the given territories. To date, twenty-six volumes of the
settlement monograph series have been completed.
Research Interests:
On two sides of a border. Museum research into archaeology, history and architectural monuments in Szabolcs and Szatmár/Satu Mare Common research into history, archaeology, ethnography and art history of Szatmár split after the First... more
On two sides of a border. Museum research into archaeology, history and architectural monuments in Szabolcs and Szatmár/Satu Mare
Common research into history, archaeology, ethnography and art history of Szatmár split
after the First World War could restart only in the last 25 years. Despite of the many centuries’ old
geographical, economical and cultural togetherness of the territory, in the last 100 years it diverged
gravitating towards the centre of the countries on both sides. As a result, a peripherical situation formed
producing backwardness, which is compensated on some degree by the integrating force of the
cross-border relationship recently quickened. Divergence can be well observed also in history and
its related disciplines. Border divided archaeological sites and geographical units coherent in archaeological-
historical periods; it split also document collections in archives representing most of historical
sources. Interpretation of formerly coherent written sources or find material led to different,
sometimes contradictory results. This difference formed because of the distinct language environment,
differing terminology, chronology and context of interpretation. It is not an easy task to weave
together the broken threads and perhaps cannot be fulfilled completely. However, collective research
work continued by the Satu Mare County Museum (Muzeul Judeţean Satu Mare) and the Directory of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Museums and its successor, the Jósa András Museum is an
important point and chance for finding the common denominator. This study discusses the results of
this cooperation.
Common research into history, archaeology, ethnography and art history of Szatmár split
after the First World War could restart only in the last 25 years. Despite of the many centuries’ old
geographical, economical and cultural togetherness of the territory, in the last 100 years it diverged
gravitating towards the centre of the countries on both sides. As a result, a peripherical situation formed
producing backwardness, which is compensated on some degree by the integrating force of the
cross-border relationship recently quickened. Divergence can be well observed also in history and
its related disciplines. Border divided archaeological sites and geographical units coherent in archaeological-
historical periods; it split also document collections in archives representing most of historical
sources. Interpretation of formerly coherent written sources or find material led to different,
sometimes contradictory results. This difference formed because of the distinct language environment,
differing terminology, chronology and context of interpretation. It is not an easy task to weave
together the broken threads and perhaps cannot be fulfilled completely. However, collective research
work continued by the Satu Mare County Museum (Muzeul Judeţean Satu Mare) and the Directory of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Museums and its successor, the Jósa András Museum is an
important point and chance for finding the common denominator. This study discusses the results of
this cooperation.
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Collections and research in the County Museum Satu Mare. Results and perspectives
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17th Century Coin Hoard found at Andrid (Satu Mare County)
Research Interests:
Several stove-tiles with the scene of the defeat of the dragon and the lion. In the autumn of 2020, during a rescue excavation several medieval stove‑tiles were discovered, in the historic center of Satu Mare. The finds include some... more
Several stove-tiles with the scene of the defeat of the dragon and the lion.
In the autumn of 2020, during a rescue excavation several medieval stove‑tiles were discovered, in the historic center of Satu Mare. The finds include some fragments, which are decorated with a surprising scene: a man rises, caught by neck, a dragon and a lion. The scene is obviously a representation of a triumphant moment, namely the one in which the man defeated the two beasts at the same time. For medieval producers and users, the theme of representation was unequivocal, but for today’s man it remains ambiguous. The analogies of other iconographic sources suggest two possible interpretations. The scene might be a representation of a chivalric romance (a knight defeating two beasts at once, a dragon and a lion), or the illustration of the line 13 of Psalm no. 90, with the figure of king and prophet David. One of the reasons of
the ambiguity of the interpretation is the rarity of these representations, in fact only one is known so far, discovered in Baia Mare. The other reason is the lack of knowledge on medieval material (and immaterial) culture of the region. Despite the fact that there is no certainty regarding the interpretation of the iconography, the tiles discovered in Satu Mare deserve attention. First of all, they are good quality pieces, thus representing important landmarks of the medieval material culture. The fact that a similar piece in graphic details and composition was discovered nearby, in Baia Mare, offers the possibility to identify a
workshop for the production of tiles in the region, but also to understand the iconographic theme and the mechanisms that contributed to their transmission. In order to interpret equivocally the scene, similar
discoveries and further research I needed in the future.
In the autumn of 2020, during a rescue excavation several medieval stove‑tiles were discovered, in the historic center of Satu Mare. The finds include some fragments, which are decorated with a surprising scene: a man rises, caught by neck, a dragon and a lion. The scene is obviously a representation of a triumphant moment, namely the one in which the man defeated the two beasts at the same time. For medieval producers and users, the theme of representation was unequivocal, but for today’s man it remains ambiguous. The analogies of other iconographic sources suggest two possible interpretations. The scene might be a representation of a chivalric romance (a knight defeating two beasts at once, a dragon and a lion), or the illustration of the line 13 of Psalm no. 90, with the figure of king and prophet David. One of the reasons of
the ambiguity of the interpretation is the rarity of these representations, in fact only one is known so far, discovered in Baia Mare. The other reason is the lack of knowledge on medieval material (and immaterial) culture of the region. Despite the fact that there is no certainty regarding the interpretation of the iconography, the tiles discovered in Satu Mare deserve attention. First of all, they are good quality pieces, thus representing important landmarks of the medieval material culture. The fact that a similar piece in graphic details and composition was discovered nearby, in Baia Mare, offers the possibility to identify a
workshop for the production of tiles in the region, but also to understand the iconographic theme and the mechanisms that contributed to their transmission. In order to interpret equivocally the scene, similar
discoveries and further research I needed in the future.
Research Interests:
Ernő Andrássy held a rich collection of medieval finds, though his primary interests were in earlier periods. The medieval items came from incidental finds, field surveys and several excavations and were included in his collection which... more
Ernő Andrássy held a rich collection of medieval finds, though his primary interests were in earlier periods. The medieval items came from incidental finds, field surveys and several excavations and were included in his collection which formed the museum of Valea lui Mihai / Érmihályfalva. The items of the former collections are unidentifiable today, except for several pieces, but the recovered documents of the museum founded by Andrássy offer an insight on the medieval discoveries. These documents
include the inventory of the artifacts belonging to the museum; variants of a museum-guide prepared for publication in type-written pages; a handwritten booklet on the museum’s collections; notes on archaeological discoveries, also on handwritten pages; and other various documents comprising letters to officials and researchers, accounts, lists, registers, and administrative records. In this paper the results of dr. Andrássy relating to the finds from the Middle Ages and early modern period are presented.
include the inventory of the artifacts belonging to the museum; variants of a museum-guide prepared for publication in type-written pages; a handwritten booklet on the museum’s collections; notes on archaeological discoveries, also on handwritten pages; and other various documents comprising letters to officials and researchers, accounts, lists, registers, and administrative records. In this paper the results of dr. Andrássy relating to the finds from the Middle Ages and early modern period are presented.
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A chest from Tãșnad and its treasure. Keywords: modern period, coin-treasure, shell gold, hidden compartment, chest A wooden chest, belonging to the Calvinist Church of Tãșnad was restored by the County Museum of Satu Mare, in October... more
A chest from Tãșnad and its treasure.
Keywords: modern period, coin-treasure, shell gold, hidden compartment, chest
A wooden chest, belonging to the Calvinist Church of Tãșnad was restored by the County Museum of Satu Mare, in October 2011. During the restoration a hidden compartment was discovered, which contained a small “treasure.” This comprised 31 silver coin, 54 bronze coin and 40 mussel shell with small portions of golden powder (shell gold), packed in paper. The study presents this surprising discovery, focusing on the numismatic determination of the coins. In this sense, the majority of silver coins were minted during the 17th century in Poland and Hungary, while the bronze coins are every day currency of Austria and Hungary in the period from 1760s to 1860s.
Keywords: modern period, coin-treasure, shell gold, hidden compartment, chest
A wooden chest, belonging to the Calvinist Church of Tãșnad was restored by the County Museum of Satu Mare, in October 2011. During the restoration a hidden compartment was discovered, which contained a small “treasure.” This comprised 31 silver coin, 54 bronze coin and 40 mussel shell with small portions of golden powder (shell gold), packed in paper. The study presents this surprising discovery, focusing on the numismatic determination of the coins. In this sense, the majority of silver coins were minted during the 17th century in Poland and Hungary, while the bronze coins are every day currency of Austria and Hungary in the period from 1760s to 1860s.
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Several castles within Transylvania and its adjacent territories present special features, since their earliest documentary mentions. They are not linked to domains with significant agricultural resources and their relations with major... more
Several castles within Transylvania and its adjacent territories present special features, since their earliest documentary mentions. They are not linked to domains with significant agricultural resources and their relations with major routes are not obvious at all. Instead, sources of the 14th and 15th centuries mention quite frequently the gold resources which are close to these type of castles and they are within the direct control of the castles. The sites of these castles encircles the Western Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, while some of them are on the Southern Carpathians or to north at the Gutâi / Gutin Mountains, present day Maramureș County, obviously linked to regions with exploitation of gold. The most important owners of the castles were the bishops of Transylvania and Oradea/Várad, and several magnates of the kingdom. Some castles are connected to the towns of Sibiu / Szeben / Hermannstadt, and Baia Mare / Nagybánya / Frauenbach. The towns exercised the monopoly of the mine-revenues, the so-called urbura, and provided the necessary mining tools and equipment, furthermore a significant part of Baia Mare’s burghers were miners. The paper presents several cases where castles are connected to gold-mining and/or panning, and analyses the social and economic influences emerging from this connection.
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Medieval and early modern built heritage in the Romanian parts of Szatmár County. New researches and results
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Domains and their owners in Szatmár / Satu Mare County, 1526-1711
The study gives an overview on the evolution of the domains and their owning noble families during the period of Ottoman Wars
The study gives an overview on the evolution of the domains and their owning noble families during the period of Ottoman Wars
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Research Interests:
Paths of urban evolution of the City of Satu Mare. Several issues of the urban evolution of Satu Mare are presented in this paper, within a time-line which begins from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Two twin towns existed on the... more
Paths of urban evolution of the City of Satu Mare.
Several issues of the urban evolution of Satu Mare are presented in this paper, within a time-line which begins from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Two twin towns existed on the actual territory of the city: Satu Mare and Mintiu, during the Middle Ages. First of all, the most significant historic events and phenomena are identified, which marked the
history of the two towns, and created the frame of the urban development.
A chapter of the paper is dedicated to the history of the Castle of Satu Mare. The existence of the castle and its fortified system influences not only the history of Satu Mare, but of the entire region. The building process of the castle and the evolution of its military role in the area are presented in the present paper, during the 16th and till the 18th century. The results of the most recent researches in this field are put together giving new interpretation to the history of the castle.
The core question of the paper is to present the development of the urban structure, the changes of the territory and the evolution of the streets. Based on medieval and early modern graphic representations of the town (16th-19th century), this part of the paper establishes the most significant in the urban evolution of Satu Mare.
Several issues of the urban evolution of Satu Mare are presented in this paper, within a time-line which begins from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Two twin towns existed on the actual territory of the city: Satu Mare and Mintiu, during the Middle Ages. First of all, the most significant historic events and phenomena are identified, which marked the
history of the two towns, and created the frame of the urban development.
A chapter of the paper is dedicated to the history of the Castle of Satu Mare. The existence of the castle and its fortified system influences not only the history of Satu Mare, but of the entire region. The building process of the castle and the evolution of its military role in the area are presented in the present paper, during the 16th and till the 18th century. The results of the most recent researches in this field are put together giving new interpretation to the history of the castle.
The core question of the paper is to present the development of the urban structure, the changes of the territory and the evolution of the streets. Based on medieval and early modern graphic representations of the town (16th-19th century), this part of the paper establishes the most significant in the urban evolution of Satu Mare.
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The buildings of the Jesuit Convent of Satu Mare. The Jesuit Order established its convent in Satu Mare in the 1630s, based on royal and ecclesiastical privileges obtained. Their presence was almost permanent until 1773, the year of the... more
The buildings of the Jesuit Convent of Satu Mare.
The Jesuit Order established its convent in Satu Mare in the 1630s, based on royal and ecclesiastical
privileges obtained. Their presence was almost permanent until 1773, the year of the first dissolution of
the order, except of short breaks during the control of the Calvinist Princes of Transylvania. The Jesuits
sustained a high-school and an elementary school for boys, which operated within the precinct of the convent.
The buildings pertaining to the convent and the schools are scarcely known, as they were demolished
during the 19th century, their places being built with modern edifices. The recently revealed maps and inventories,
made at 1774 presents the complex of the convent at the moment of the dissolution. The accurate
description of the buildings and their inventory is completed with drawings of its plan and façade, being a
unique source on the 18th century phase of the Jesuit church, the convent and its annexes. The location of
the buildings was identified on maps draw in 1803 and at the turn of the 19th century, discovered recently
in the archival collections, too.
The Jesuit Order established its convent in Satu Mare in the 1630s, based on royal and ecclesiastical
privileges obtained. Their presence was almost permanent until 1773, the year of the first dissolution of
the order, except of short breaks during the control of the Calvinist Princes of Transylvania. The Jesuits
sustained a high-school and an elementary school for boys, which operated within the precinct of the convent.
The buildings pertaining to the convent and the schools are scarcely known, as they were demolished
during the 19th century, their places being built with modern edifices. The recently revealed maps and inventories,
made at 1774 presents the complex of the convent at the moment of the dissolution. The accurate
description of the buildings and their inventory is completed with drawings of its plan and façade, being a
unique source on the 18th century phase of the Jesuit church, the convent and its annexes. The location of
the buildings was identified on maps draw in 1803 and at the turn of the 19th century, discovered recently
in the archival collections, too.
Research Interests:
The fortress of Satu Mare was built in 1565 as part of the defence-system against the Ottomans and the Transylvanian Principality. Its strategic role was diminished at the end of the 17th century, with the re -conquest of the middle parts... more
The fortress of Satu Mare was built in 1565 as part of the defence-system against the Ottomans and the Transylvanian Principality. Its strategic role was diminished at the end of the 17th century, with the re -conquest of the middle parts of the Hungarian Kingdom, but it remained as a base of a significant garrison, which secured the region and imposed the authority
of the imperial administration. As part of the insurrection led by Prince Francis Rákóczi II, the castle was under siege from the summer of 1703 until 1st of January 1705. After the castle was taken over by the insurgents, the castle was demolished as, at the advice of French military engineers, it was counted as an obsolete. Instead it was started the modernization of the Ecsed fortress. The demolition of the Satu Mare fortress was made during three years, until 1707, while its place was gradually occupied by civil constructions.
of the imperial administration. As part of the insurrection led by Prince Francis Rákóczi II, the castle was under siege from the summer of 1703 until 1st of January 1705. After the castle was taken over by the insurgents, the castle was demolished as, at the advice of French military engineers, it was counted as an obsolete. Instead it was started the modernization of the Ecsed fortress. The demolition of the Satu Mare fortress was made during three years, until 1707, while its place was gradually occupied by civil constructions.
Research Interests:
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare – Piata de vechituri (Flea-market). The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened... more
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare – Piata de vechituri (Flea-market).
The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened which revealed a number of 114 burials. The inventories of the graves comprise parts of the coffin decorations (nails) and of the costumes (buttons). According to these finds the cemetery fragment is dated from the start of the 18th century until the
middle of the 19th century. The area was at the margin of the medieval and early modern settlement of Mintiu, the twin city of Satu Mare. The old cemeteries of the towns, opened around the parish churches of
medieval origin, were closed at the middle of the 18th century, parallel to this, new cemeteries were opened at the peripheries. One of this cemeteries was the one recued at the flea-market in 2006.
The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened which revealed a number of 114 burials. The inventories of the graves comprise parts of the coffin decorations (nails) and of the costumes (buttons). According to these finds the cemetery fragment is dated from the start of the 18th century until the
middle of the 19th century. The area was at the margin of the medieval and early modern settlement of Mintiu, the twin city of Satu Mare. The old cemeteries of the towns, opened around the parish churches of
medieval origin, were closed at the middle of the 18th century, parallel to this, new cemeteries were opened at the peripheries. One of this cemeteries was the one recued at the flea-market in 2006.
Research Interests:
The fortress of Szamtár / Satu Mare, was built in 1565, with bastions in Italian style. The context of the building was the war of emperor Ferdinand I, king of Hungary, against the Ottomans and the Transylvanian Principality. The fortress... more
The fortress of Szamtár / Satu Mare, was built in 1565, with bastions in Italian style. The context of the building was the war of emperor Ferdinand I, king of Hungary, against the Ottomans and the Transylvanian Principality. The fortress was designed by Ottavio Baldigara, on the demands of the commander of the imperial army, Lazarus v. Schwendi.
Research Interests:
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare ”The Summer Theather” The terrain is located on the site of the medieval city and early modern fortress of Satu Mare. Five trenches were opened on the request of the owner in order to identify the general... more
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare ”The Summer Theather”
The terrain is located on the site of the medieval city and early modern fortress of Satu Mare. Five trenches were opened on the request of the owner in order to identify the general stratigraphy. Due to the existing buildings, a limited research was possible. The western part of the terrain is on the moat of the fortress, observed through the fills and a structure of two lines of driven piles, parallel to the outer edge of
the moat. On the eastern part of the terrain, several archaeological features were identified with medieval (15th century) and early modern (16th and 17th centuries) ceramic material and fragments of bronze plates and one bronze ring.
The terrain is located on the site of the medieval city and early modern fortress of Satu Mare. Five trenches were opened on the request of the owner in order to identify the general stratigraphy. Due to the existing buildings, a limited research was possible. The western part of the terrain is on the moat of the fortress, observed through the fills and a structure of two lines of driven piles, parallel to the outer edge of
the moat. On the eastern part of the terrain, several archaeological features were identified with medieval (15th century) and early modern (16th and 17th centuries) ceramic material and fragments of bronze plates and one bronze ring.
Research Interests:
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare – Piata de vechituri (Flea-market) The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened which... more
Rescue excavations at Satu Mare – Piata de vechituri (Flea-market)
The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened which revealed a number of 114 burials. The inventories of the graves comprise parts of the coffin decorations (nails) and of the costumes (buttons). According to these finds the cemetery fragment is dated from the start of the 18th century until the middle of the 19th century. The area was at the margin of the medieval and early modern settlement of Mintiu, the twin city of Satu Mare. The old cemeteries of the towns, opened around the parish churches of
medieval origin, were closed at the middle of the 18th century, parallel to this, new cemeteries were opened at the peripheries. One of this cemeteries was the one recued at the flea-market in 2006.
The modernization work at the flea-market of Satu Mare (Gh. Baritiu str.) revealed a number of human skeletons at the autumn of 2006. A rescue excavation was opened which revealed a number of 114 burials. The inventories of the graves comprise parts of the coffin decorations (nails) and of the costumes (buttons). According to these finds the cemetery fragment is dated from the start of the 18th century until the middle of the 19th century. The area was at the margin of the medieval and early modern settlement of Mintiu, the twin city of Satu Mare. The old cemeteries of the towns, opened around the parish churches of
medieval origin, were closed at the middle of the 18th century, parallel to this, new cemeteries were opened at the peripheries. One of this cemeteries was the one recued at the flea-market in 2006.
Research Interests:
The present-day Livada /Sárközújlak/ was formed through the unification of two settlements of medieval origins: Sárköz and Újlak. Both of them had a medieval parish church, but only the one of Újlak was preserved until today. The parish... more
The present-day Livada /Sárközújlak/ was formed through the unification of two settlements of medieval origins: Sárköz and Újlak. Both of them had a medieval parish church, but only the one of Újlak was preserved until today. The parish church of Sárköz was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. The paper presents the results of archival and archaeological research on the demolished church. Through these results, the ground-plan arrangement and some elements of the Gothic architecture of the church was identified.
Research Interests:
The present-day Livada /Sárközújlak/ was formed through the unification of two settlements of medieval origins: Sárköz and Újlak. Both of them had a medieval parish church, but only the one of Újlak was preserved until today. The parish... more
The present-day Livada /Sárközújlak/ was formed through the unification of two settlements of medieval origins: Sárköz and Újlak. Both of them had a medieval parish church, but only the one of Újlak was preserved until today. The parish church of Sárköz was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. The paper presents the results of archival and archaeological research on the demolished church. Through these results, the ground-plan arrangement and some elements of the Gothic architecture of the church was identified.
Research Interests:
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Ceramic vessels of the 16th and 17th centuries in the mirror of written sources and archaeological finds The period of the 16th and 17th centuries is rich in both written and archaeological sources on Transylvania. Unfortunately none of... more
Ceramic vessels of the 16th and 17th centuries in the mirror of written sources and archaeological finds
The period of the 16th and 17th centuries is rich in both written and archaeological sources on Transylvania. Unfortunately none of them was systematically researched and exploited sufficiently. Both of these categories contain, however, good reference on material culture and ceramic vessels. The information transmitted through each type of the sources is not identical in all extent, therefore they must be correlated and combined with certain criticism. The potential and limits of the archaeological analysis of pottery is exemplified on a sample found at the archbishopric palace of Alba Iulia. Furthermore the written sources are analyzed in order to determine their information on ceramic vessels in function of their type and their context of creation.
Finally the possibility of the combination of the information is analyzed. The most plausible is to identify individual objects in written sources and link them to archaeological finds. In case of pottery the more general comparison is more useful. The combination of typological classes established separately on archaeological material and on the data provided by the written documents generates good information on the production and on the functionality of the pottery. In a general level, the structure of material culture as reflected in archaeological material combined with the written sources is a more accurate then using just one type of source. Moreover, the abandonment of certain pottery types and the appearance of new ones can be explained in context with the written sources. In this sense, a general picture can be created on the production, distribution and consumption of the pottery.
The period of the 16th and 17th centuries is rich in both written and archaeological sources on Transylvania. Unfortunately none of them was systematically researched and exploited sufficiently. Both of these categories contain, however, good reference on material culture and ceramic vessels. The information transmitted through each type of the sources is not identical in all extent, therefore they must be correlated and combined with certain criticism. The potential and limits of the archaeological analysis of pottery is exemplified on a sample found at the archbishopric palace of Alba Iulia. Furthermore the written sources are analyzed in order to determine their information on ceramic vessels in function of their type and their context of creation.
Finally the possibility of the combination of the information is analyzed. The most plausible is to identify individual objects in written sources and link them to archaeological finds. In case of pottery the more general comparison is more useful. The combination of typological classes established separately on archaeological material and on the data provided by the written documents generates good information on the production and on the functionality of the pottery. In a general level, the structure of material culture as reflected in archaeological material combined with the written sources is a more accurate then using just one type of source. Moreover, the abandonment of certain pottery types and the appearance of new ones can be explained in context with the written sources. In this sense, a general picture can be created on the production, distribution and consumption of the pottery.
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Ceramic vessels mirrored in the written sources and archaeological finds. Contributions to the material culture of early modern Transylvania
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The import of vessels in Transylvania during the 17th century In this work some references, collected from economic sources are analysed in relation with the trade of vessels.There are also examined the purchases of the princely... more
The import of vessels in Transylvania during the 17th century
In this work some references, collected from economic sources are analysed in relation with the trade of vessels.There are also examined the purchases of the princely household, using the account book of Bethlen Gábor and Bornemissza Anna. The results of this investigation help to give answers to question of origin of some vessel-types
and motives, used in Transylvania during the 17th century. The main commercial partners were in Viena, Venice, and Poland. Several motives of the reasons of these expensive shopping in abroad is given as an attempt of explanation and interpretation. A major factor which influenced these acquisitions is to align to the fashion through Europe, as luxury items were suitable to express social status.
In this work some references, collected from economic sources are analysed in relation with the trade of vessels.There are also examined the purchases of the princely household, using the account book of Bethlen Gábor and Bornemissza Anna. The results of this investigation help to give answers to question of origin of some vessel-types
and motives, used in Transylvania during the 17th century. The main commercial partners were in Viena, Venice, and Poland. Several motives of the reasons of these expensive shopping in abroad is given as an attempt of explanation and interpretation. A major factor which influenced these acquisitions is to align to the fashion through Europe, as luxury items were suitable to express social status.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: History, Cultural History, Early Modern History, Gastronomy, Material Culture Studies, and 7 more17th-Century Studies, Early Modern History/Central European History/ Transilvania, Consumption and Material Culture, Material Culture, History of Transylvania, Transilvania, and Principality of Transylvania
Despite of its ruined condition, the castle of Medieşu Aurit remains one of the most impressive and important monuments of the Renaissance Architecture in the region. There were several attempts recently to rehabilitate it, but none of... more
Despite of its ruined condition, the castle of Medieşu Aurit remains one of the most impressive and important monuments of the Renaissance Architecture in the region. There were several attempts recently to
rehabilitate it, but none of them succeeded. The authors wish that this work would facilitate the efforts of the conservation of the monument as it attempts to presents briefly the architectural and art-historical
values of the castle and the main turning-points of its history
rehabilitate it, but none of them succeeded. The authors wish that this work would facilitate the efforts of the conservation of the monument as it attempts to presents briefly the architectural and art-historical
values of the castle and the main turning-points of its history
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Omagiu adus profesorului Adrian Andrei Rusu cu ocazia împlinirii vârstei de 70 de ani Tanulmányok Adrian Andrei Rusu professzor köszöntésére 70. születésnapja alkalmából Studies in honour of professor Adrian Andrei Rusu on his 70th... more
Omagiu adus profesorului Adrian Andrei Rusu cu ocazia împlinirii vârstei de 70 de ani
Tanulmányok Adrian Andrei Rusu professzor köszöntésére 70. születésnapja alkalmából
Studies in honour of professor Adrian Andrei Rusu on his 70th birthday
Tanulmányok Adrian Andrei Rusu professzor köszöntésére 70. születésnapja alkalmából
Studies in honour of professor Adrian Andrei Rusu on his 70th birthday
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Historical Archaeology, Medieval History, Pottery (Archaeology), Hungarian, Medieval Church History, and 18 moreMedieval Archaeology, Papacy (Medieval Church History), Funerary Archaeology, Byzantine Studies, History of Hungary, Migration Studies, Church History, Medieval Pottery, Early Modern History/Central European History/ Transilvania, Church Archaeology, Medieval Hungary, Archaeology of churches, Archeaology, Gothic architecture, Catholic Church History, Stove Tiles, Medieval and Early Modern History of the German Minority in Transylvania/Hungary, and Architettura Romanica
The volume is (with slight modifications) the Romanian version of "A gyulafehérvári római katolikus székesegyház és püspöki palota. Régészeti kutatása (2000-2002)".
Research Interests: Medieval History, Pottery (Archaeology), Medieval Studies, Urban History, Medieval Church History, and 29 moreGlass, Medieval Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, History of Hungary, Byzantine Archaeology, Medieval Architecture, Migration Studies, Medieval Pottery, Roman Pottery, Glass (Archaeology), Church Archaeology, Urban archaeology, Cathedrals (Medieval Studies), Roman Glass, Archaeology of churches, Coins finds as archaeological artefacts, Archaeology, Historical Archaeology. Medieval Archaeology, Anthropology, Social Identities, Material Culture, Artefact Studies, Diaspora Studies, Trade and Exchange, Fortifications, Medieval Weapons and Equipment, Coins, Medieval castles, Stove Tiles, Medieval jewellery, Medieval church architecture, Late Antique and Byzantine Jewellery, History of Transylvania, Funeral Rites, Roman Archaeology, and Gyulafehérvár
Research Interests: Medieval History, Pottery (Archaeology), Early Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Church History, Architectural History, and 36 moreMedieval Archaeology, Funerary Archaeology, History of Hungary, Medieval Architecture, Church History, Medieval Pottery, Medieval ceramics (Archaeology), Early Modern History/Central European History/ Transilvania, Roman Pottery, Medieval Art, Ceramics (Archaeology), Cathedrals (Medieval Studies), Funerary Architecture, Post medieval pottery, Archeologia medievale, Gothic Cathedral construction, Roman Architecture, Episcopal Palaces, Gepids, Avars, Stove Tiles, Vauban, Early Medieval Burials, Medieval Art and Architecture, Medieval church architecture, History of Transylvania, Gepidic period, Early Medieval Cemetery, Castles and Palaces of the 16th to 18th century in Central and Southeastern Europe, Gothique, Alba Iulia, Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, Castro Urdiales (Cantabria, Spain), Roman Common Ceramics, Flaviobriga, Excavation Results, Romanization, Roman Sigillata Ceramics: Italic - Gallic - Hispanic, Centuries I ° and II ° AC, Gyulafehérvár, Round Churches, Modern and Contemporary Ceramics, Graves Built of Bricks, and Walled Graves
Research Interests:
The volume (published in Romanian, Magyar and English) is a brief presentation of the results of the archaeological investigation recently performed at Ardud Fortress, in north-western Romania (late medieval and early modern finds).
Research Interests: Architecture, Medieval History, Pottery (Archaeology), Medieval Studies, Medieval Archaeology, and 20 moreHistory of Hungary, Archaeology of Architecture, Medieval Pottery, Roman Pottery, Brick and tile (Archaeology), Archaeology of Pipes and Smoking, History of architecture, Coins finds as archaeological artefacts, Archaeology, Historical Archaeology. Medieval Archaeology, Anthropology, Social Identities, Material Culture, Artefact Studies, Diaspora Studies, Trade and Exchange, Fortifications, Medieval Weapons and Equipment, Caste, Brick and Tile, Coins, Stove Tiles, Castles and Fortifications, History of Transylvania, Medieval Castles and Fortresses, Bathory (Bathori) Family, and Drágfi of Beltiug
Parish-churches are representative monuments of medieval urban life, significant not only for the local community, but also on regional level. Some of them keep their medieval structure and form, while others were transformed or... more
Parish-churches are representative monuments of medieval urban life, significant not only for the local community, but also on regional level. Some of them keep their medieval structure and form, while others were transformed or destroyed. Preserved entirely or partially, the parish churches and the surrounding churchyard cemeteries, are witness and exceptional source of social and economic aspects, material culture and first of all spiritual life of medieval urban society. The building of the church, with stages from Romanesque through Gothic and early modern times, its decorative fittings, equipment and furniture are the result of outstanding and long lasting efforts of the urban communities, comprising local and long-distance experiences. Moreover, churchyard cemeteries provide first-hand source on the local community, especially through the anthropological data and the rich series of grave-goods. The regional and long-distance contacts of urban communities, through trade and other economic and social relations, are well documented in written sources and these contacts create a solid background for establishing direct links between the town's parish churches, their architectural and artistic features and the connected material culture. This session aims to create a complex perspective on the archaeologically research of major parish churches of the Carpathian Basin, widening the analysis to the connected buildings and cemeteries. Papers focusing on case studies are welcomed, but authors are encouraged to consider the material culture connected to the church and the surrounding cemetery, the detectable elements of cult, and especially the regional and long-distance connections as a possible element of network formation. Several papers will present the Transylvanian parish churches of Brașov (Brassó/Kronstadt), Sibiu (Szeben/Hermannstadt), ClujNapoca(Kolozsvár/Klausenburg), Baia Mare (Nagybánya/Neustadt)-all of them placed on the main north-south trade route which connected medieval Hungarian Kingdom with Poland and the Levant. Similar cases from Carpathian Basin and beyond are welcome.
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Ed. by Szőcs Péter Levente. Satu Mare: Editura Muzeului Sătmărean
Abstracts of papers presented at the conference "Medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Transylvania IX" Satu Mare / Szatmárnémeti, 11-14 of April, 2019.
Abstracts of papers presented at the conference "Medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Transylvania IX" Satu Mare / Szatmárnémeti, 11-14 of April, 2019.