Battlefield Archeologists Meet in MoD IMMH

This year’s program of the international series of presentations entitled “Fields of Conflict", which is already in its seventh year, was organized in Budapest between October 18 and 20. In his opening speech, Col. Dr. Vilmos Kovács introduced the speakers from Europe and overseas to the structure of the Hungarian group of special institutions and to the operation of the three special branches of the MoD IMMH. He pointed out that in 2006, battlefield archeology had been integrated into the MoD IMMH as an autonomous item among the 19 groups of collections, which shows the recognition of this special field.

The joint work conducted by high standards attests to the fruitful relations between the different special branches. By way of example the commandant of the MoD IMMH cited the latest results, the excavation of the battlefields of Mohács and Nagyharsány as well as Új-Zrínyivár. Vilmos Kovács talked about the war graves research and wreck-hunting directed by the Ministry of Defence. With respect to the latter, the latest result is the recovery of a military barge dating back to 1849, which was found at Gönyű. The colonel stressed that like before, they continue to participate in various Hungarian and international projects in the future too.

After the opening, renowned Hungarian and foreign staff members of universities and museums as well as battlefield archeologists and war grave researchers gave presentations in ten thematic panels, introducing the newest results and hypotheses of their research work. Altogether 34 presentations were held during the two-day conference, and the participants visited the fort of Komárom-Igmánd as well.

Photo: Péter Szikits