43 What do the memories hidden deep in the earth tell us?

The question of Hungarian prehistory has occupied researchers and interested readers for centuries. Who were we, where did we come from, and what traces did we leave behind? Written sources are often fragmentary, contradictory, or the result of later interpretations. In such cases, attention turns to archaeology, which in its quiet yet persistent way responds with material evidence. In this search, The Archaeological Sources of Our Prehistory I–III provides indispensable support, presenting in three substantial volumes everything that can be known about the early past of the Hungarians based on archaeological finds. Kornél Bakay does not proceed along theoretical lines; instead, he undertakes to let graves, cemeteries, weapons, jewelry, and everyday objects speak for themselves. One of the greatest strengths of his work is that he consistently guides the reader along the path leading from the eastern settlement areas to the Carpathian Basin. The maps, drawings, and photographs of finds included in the volumes are not mere illustrations but genuine arguments. The author does not conceal his views and boldly questions established historical interpretations. This approach has led to debate, but it is precisely this quality that makes the work vivid and thought-provoking. Rather than offering closed truths, it raises questions that invite further reflection: how well do we truly know our own past? These three volumes are not easy reading, nor were they intended to be. They are instead an intellectual adventure that requires patience, attention, and openness—yet in return they offer a deeper insight into the complexity of Hungarian prehistory. Kornél Bakay: The Archaeological Sources of Our Prehistory I–III. If you are interested in Hungarian prehistory and are not satisfied with textbook summaries, this three-volume work is for you. Through hundreds of archaeological finds, the author presents the early history of the Hungarians with a critical perspective and rich visual material. Scholarly in ambition yet readable in style, the work encourages reflection, invites debate, and opens new perspectives on our past. Recommended for history teachers, university students, researchers, and all readers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of what the remnants unearthed from the ground reveal about the origins of the Hungarian people.