In the vicinity of Székesfehérvár, Hungary, archaeologists unearthed a unique artifact: a saber from the 7th-8th centuries, attributed to the Avar period. The weapon was found in a grave during excavations of a medieval cemetery, as reported by Arkeonews.
The excavation was part of the “Cemeteries from Space” project, which utilized satellite imagery to identify potential burial sites. Alongside the saber, archaeologists discovered gilded hair ornaments and a bronze buckle in the grave, indicating the high status of the individual buried there.
According to researchers, sabers are a rarity in Avar burials within this region. The last similar artifact was found here back in 1979. The find was carefully extracted within a special wooden construction to preserve the fragile blade and will subsequently be sent for conservation.
Experts note that this discovery aids in a better understanding of the military traditions and social structure of the Avars, a nomadic people who settled in the Carpathian Basin over 1,400 years ago.
