Achaeometrical Research in Hungary II., 1988

ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY - Andrea PÖLÖS: Medieval smith’s workshop in Budaújlak

Andrea PÖLÖS* MEDIEVAL SMITH'S WORKSHOP IN BUDAÚJLAK Budaújlak is located within the territory of present-day Budapest, more precisely, on the northern side of the 2

nd and the southern side of the 3

rd district.

1 Due to construction works in the area, we had the possibility to carry out archaeological excavations since 1988. The results of these rescue operations brought to light traces of habitation from Prehistoric, Roman as well as medieval times.

2 Excavations at grounds 65-67 Bécsi Street and 5 Dereglye Street were carried out in 1992-1993. On the western side, they revealed the remains of the Via Magna, the main medieval road leading from Buda, through Esztergom, towards Vienna. The road, built of pebbles layered into clay, was continuously renovated and renewed. Its surface showed the traces of intensive usage, namely, traces of cartwheels, running in a direction parallel with the angle of the road (North-South). On the surface of the road numerous iron objects were found (besides a sword and many horseshoes). A system of drainage ditches paralleled the road, with settlement features on both sides. Traces of iron workshops were excavated east of the road. Since this part of the town was far from the centre and was also less densely inhabited, the fires of the workshops posed less of a danger for the houses built of flammable materials. The outer fireplaces of the blacksmiths stood here either alone or in small groups. The working platforms were paved with iron dross. A semi-subterranean house was excavated near the road. Its entrance opened to the north. The building itself had originally functioned as a dwelling house. This was shown by the existence of the fireplace on the southern side, that had been deepened into the wall. We found postholes in each four corners and in the middle of the shorter sides. These once belonged to the roofs support structure. The posthole in the south-western side was renewed three times. This attests to the building's long period of use. East of this posthole, hidden in a pit, a complete pot of grey Austrian ware was found, with stamped decoration on the shoulder. It was filled with eggs. The builders of the house might have selected this vessel as a container for building sacrifice because of its unique style. Some time later, the postholes were filled with black-brown soil. The fireplace was destroyed as well, and the dwelling was transformed into a workshop. As an evidence for this, an other open fireplace should be mentioned. It was located at the inner, western side of the house, above the postholes that had already been filled by that time. Other finds from this feature included horseshoes, nails, an arrow-head and a knife, as well as major quantities of iron dross and melted iron, together with certain copper objects, such as a needle.

3 According to the newly added post holes found, the roof-structure of the workshop was simpler than that of the previous dwelling. A rectangular building, with partly opened sides, can be reconstructed. * Budapest History Museum, Medieval Department (1014 Budapest Szent György tér 2 Pf. 4.) 1 See the map of Budapest for site location. This paper is a preliminary report only, the full publication of excavations is in progress 3 The scientific investigation of the iron dross has not yet been carried out 245