Medieval Duke's Remains Discovered in Hungary by International Team

An international team of researchers led by Tamas Hajdu from Eotvos Lorand University has identified the remains of Duke Bela of Macso, a thirteenth-century noble, on Budapest's Margaret Island. The discovery, according to a statement from the university, stems from bones unearthed in 1915 during excavations of a monastery.

Historical accounts indicate that Duke Bela was the maternal grandson of King Bela IV of Hungary and was also linked to the Scandinavian Rurik dynasty through his paternal lineage. Sources indicate that he was assassinated in November 1272, and reports suggest that his body was recovered and buried in the same monastery where the remains were found.

The recent investigation revealed a total of 26 injuries on the bones, all attributed to a single attack likely carried out by three assailants wielding a saber and a longsword. Eyewitness accounts suggest that once he fell to the ground, the attackers focused their fatal blows on his head and face.

Chemical analyses of the bones revealed a diet rich in protein, including significant amounts of fish and shellfish. Strontium isotope analysis indicates that Duke Bela did not grow up in the area where he was buried, suggesting a childhood spent moving throughout the region.

Furthermore, genetic testing confirmed that the remains belong to a direct descendant of King Bela III, with nearly half of the genome traced back to Scandinavian origins. This identification of Duke Bela's remains not only enhances our understanding of the lineage and ancestry of medieval Hungary but also opens avenues for further research into the political dynamics of the time.

The report highlights the potential for more discoveries as researchers delve deeper into Hungary's medieval history. For more information, refer to the original scholarly article published in Forensic Science International: Genetics.

This remarkable find underscores the intricate connections between different royal lineages in Europe during the medieval period, shedding light on the complex social structures and political relationships that defined that era.