Hungarian National Museum

About: Hungarian National Museum is a archive organization based out in Budapest, Hungary. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Chalcolithic. The organization has 70 authors who have published 106 publications receiving 2223 citations. The organization is also known as: Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum.

Prompt gamma activation analysis for non-destructive characterization of chipped stone tools and raw materials

Abstract: Recently, several archaeometrical projects were started on the prehistoric collection of the Hungarian National Museum. Among the analytical methods applied, non-destructive prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) has a special importance. Based on major-and trace components, characterization of stone tools and their raw materials were performed. Until now, 160 pieces from Carpathian Basin and from the surrounding area (Romania, Croatia, Ukraine, Poland and the Mediterranean region) have been analyzed, including both archaeological and geological pieces. Obsidian and Szeletian felsitic porphyry objects adequately separable with PGAA. Identification of high silica silex categories, however, is much more difficult.

Knee Ankyloses Associated with Tuberculosis from the Medieval Hungary – Differential Diagnosis Based on Medical Imaging Techniques

Abstract: Osseous ankylosis of large joints that occurs secondary to infection is rarely described in developed countries, thanks to diagnostic techniques that allow early detection and treatment of the underlying infection. Evidence of the natural history and progression of the disease is now primarily studied through the observation and analysis of osteoarcheological specimens, and medical reports or books dating from the pre-antibiotic era. This report illustrates several cases where modern medical imaging techniques and ancient medical literature were success- fully interpreted to diagnose rare, advanced-stage tuberculous alterations in osteoarcheological specimens. Two skeletons from the Batmonostor cemetery (Hungary) demonstrate complete unilateral ankylosis of the knee. Macroscopic and radiographic examinations were undertaken to assess the extent of skeletal changes and determine their cause. Data obtained from computed tomography (CT) were constructed in 2D and 3D. The 2D CT images revealed cavities involving both the metaphyses and the epiphyses. The 3D reconstruc- tions allowed us to reconstruct the more precise volumetric morphology of the circumscribed lytic lesions, as well as clear 'image-mirror' lacunar volumes. On the basis of the macroscopic and radiological analyses, extra-spinal tuberculous infection seems to have been the most probable etiology of these two cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Activity area analysis of a Roman period semi-subterranean building by means of integrated archaeobotanical and geoarchaeological data

Abstract: Everyday life in past human societies and the use of specific activity areas within settlements can be explored through the study of the remains of material culture as well as through the application of soil and plant remains analyses. This paper presents the results of complex archaeobotanical and geoarchaeological analyses conducted on 33 samples from a Roman period (1st century ad) semi-subterranean building excavated at the site of Győr-Menfőcsanak, western Hungary. The aim of this methodological experiment was to try to identify the inner space use of the building with the help of macro- and micro-archaeobotanical and geoarchaeological data. Samples from cultural sediment layers were collected in accordance with a total horizontal sampling strategy using a grid of 50 × 50 cm quadrats. The identified micro- and macrofossils found in the samples from the activity layer imply that a large amount of plant material connected to cereals (stem, leaf, glume, spike fragment, cereal grain fragment, etc.) was either processed or deposited inside the building. The overall interpretation of the distribution patterns projected on the inner space and the spatial evaluation of the data have enabled us to put forward hypotheses regarding the use of the building. Significant differences were detected within the interior space of the feature, which reflect a well-defined selectivity in internal space usage and distinction in activity areas.