Hungary: Pre-History and Early History

Introduction

This article discusses the known pre-history and early history of the area corresponding to modern day Hungary, and the peoples associated with this area. For an account of the more recent history of Hungary, see History of Hungary.

The Prehistoric Record

Archeological evidence suggests that this area has been populated by humans since well before the prehistoric Neolithic period, or at least since about 8,000 BCE.

Early History

The Earliest Historical Record

This same area first enters the historical record in about 350 BCE, then known as Dacia by the Greeks. Dacian slaves are recorded as having been sold in the Athenian slave market around this time.

Relations With The Roman Empire

During the time of the Roman Empire and the Roman Republic, the area that corresponds to modern day Hungary was known by the Romans as the areas of Dacia and Pannonia. These areas fell under Roman jurisdiction during various periods of the Roman Empire.

The Arrival of the Huns

Around 370 CE an asiatic people known as the Huns first began invading Europe from the eastern steppes. These peoples are now believed to have descended from Central Asian ancestors. In 453 CE the Huns reached the height of their expansion under the well known conquerer Attila the Hun. During this period, the Huns controlled an area that was centered about modern day Hungary. The Huns are also believed to be amongst the ancestors of most modern day Hungarians. Recently completed genetic, blood type and linguistic research all support this theory. See Hungarian Old Country, The-: by Dr. Istvan Kiszely.

Alternative Theories About The Etymology of the name: Hungary

Many western scholars believe that the word: Onoguria may come from the Turkic phrase meaning "Ten Arrows", (On-Ogur). This term is first found in the ninth century CE and was used by contemporaries to describe the federation of ten Magyar and Khazar tribes that existed at that time in that area.

The Arrival of the Avars

This area was in turn dominated by the Avars in the sixth century CE through the end of the eighth century CE. It was during this period that the term: Onoguria was first recorded.

Magyar Founding of the Nation of Hungary

Traditionally, the nation of Hungary was founded in the 9th century CE under the leadership of �rp�d the Magyar. �rp�d led the seven Magyar tribes out of the Steppes into the Carpathian basin into what was to be called the Hungarian plains. These seven tribes later became the nucleus of the Kingdom of Hungary under �rp�d's great-great-grandson, Stephen I of Hungary.

The Christianization of Hungary

The Kingdom of Hungary was first officially converted to Christianity in 1000 AD by king Stephen I of Hungary. After this period, references to the nation of Hungary appear regularly in numerous historical references. For an account of the more recent history of Hungary, see History of Hungary.