The theory of Double Land-taking – Nagyszentmiklós (Sânnicolau Mare) – Treasure of Nagyszentmiklós
Fact of the Hungarian figure „Myth of the Hungarian land-taking – Ópusztaszer”
Part of the „The story of the beginning” topic
The Nagyszentmiklós Treasure, discovered in 1799 in the village of Nagyszentmiklós (now Sânnicolau Mare, Romania), is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Hungarian history. This collection of 23 intricately decorated gold vessels, dating from the 7th to 9th centuries, offers invaluable insights into the early history and culture of the Carpathian Basin’s inhabitants. The treasure’s origins and symbolism have fueled various historical theories, including the compelling hypothesis of the „Double Land-Taking” proposed by historian Gyula László.
The archaeologist Gyula László (1910–1998) left behind a significant legacy in the field of Hungarian prehistory. He published several papers on the theory of double Land-taking, which quickly gained a large audience, even though he neglected to follow the late 1950s and early 1960s Soviet research on Finno-Ugric prehistory. According to his theory, the majority of Hungarians did not come to the Carpathian Basin with Árpád, but in the Avar period.
This would have explained why the Hungarian language and ethnicity survived, while for example the nomadic Bulgars had been slavicized in the 7th century. According to Simon of Kéza, the first Land-taking took place in 677 and the Russian Primary Chronicle places the migration of the White Ugors (presumably the Khazars) to 700. László later claimed that Árpád’s people were Turkic-speaking, from whom the nobles were descended, while the serfs originated from the Hungarian-speaking Avars.
Even at the time of its creation, there was no evidence to support the theory, our lack of knowledge of the 9th century gave its legitimacy. We do not know what language the Avars spoke, nor is there any trace of the Hungarian language in the Carpathian Basin before the Land-taking. The difference between the Avar and Hungarian finds are also striking. It is now archaeologically proven that the Avar population did not influence the settling Hungarians.
The Nagyszentmiklós Treasure, with its blend of cultural influences and sophisticated craftsmanship, is seen as evidence supporting this theory. The artifacts reflect a confluence of Byzantine, Persian, and Central Asian artistic traditions, indicating a diverse and interconnected society that predates the final conquest of 895 AD. The treasure’s motifs and inscriptions suggest the presence of a complex and well-established community, lending credence to the idea of an earlier Magyar presence in the region.
Today, the Treasure of Nagyszentmiklós is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where it continues to captivate scholars and the public alike. Its intricate beauty and historical significance make it a treasured part of both Hungarian and European heritage. The legacy of the treasure, combined with the intriguing theory of Double Land-Taking, underscores the complexity and depth of Hungary’s early history, inviting ongoing exploration and discovery.
