Site ID: 66780
Keywords: Prehistory, Neolithic?, Migration Period, Middle Ages, Modern Period, stray finds
On 26 February 2020, a field survey was conducted in which stray ceramic fragments from the Middle Ages and prehistoric period were collected. The grassy area south of the built-up edge of Cinkota, between the northern bank of the Szilas Stream and Vidámvásár Street, is divided into several parcels currently used for agricultural purposes.
At the time of the survey, the plots marked “A” (118694/76, 118694/79), “B” (118694/46-47), and further north, “C” (118694/18-19), were all in a recently ploughed state. (Fig. 1)
In the dark grey, humic, silty alluvial topsoil, a large quantity of archaeological finds (ceramic sherds) was observed. In area “A”, fragments from the Middle Ages as well as one rim sherd likely dating to the Migration period were found. Area “B” produced more medieval sherds. In area “C”, medieval finds were joined by some prehistoric (Neolithic?) ceramic fragments. Modern debris was rarely present, with 19th–20th century glazed pottery fragments occurring mostly in area “C”. Area “D” was previously monitored in 2018 and yielded a mix of prehistoric and medieval finds, but with a relatively higher proportion of modern period material. (Fig. 2)
Cinkota’s early modern centre ended to the south near Vidámvásár Street, where houses are still standing on the southern side. Behind these, the land slopes gently toward the stream, forming grassy plots and back gardens that reach to the current channel. Larger, continuous tracts of broken ground were not visible. Ploughing depth was approximately the usual 30–40 cm, and due to the sandy soil, deep tillage was unlikely. In the lower parts of the slope, groundwater emerged from seepage. The plots marked “C” (118694/18 and 118694/19) were wetter, especially around a well, where the water level reached the walking surface. (Fig. 3)
Based on the quantity of finds, archaeological features disturbed by ploughing are likely present in the area. The terrain is not steep enough for widespread erosion to account for the dispersal of the medieval material, although distribution by flooding cannot be ruled out—since finds were also noted close to the current artificial streambed. No signs of recent fill were observed.
Contributors: Gábor Gyenes (archaeological field technician)
Gábor Gyenes