Morphological and petrographical approach of the rock material from the Bronze age cemetery of Szigetszentmiklós

Abstract

During the excavations executed at Ürge-hegy, Szigetszentmiklós, a notable quantity of various rock
fragments were found. Their morphological analysis pointed out, that a part of the rock pieces was
fragmented by natural way as components of the deluvial an/or alluvial deposits. On the other hand, a
few pieces resulted from crushing, carving and modelling of the larger rocky blocks. We proved, that few
blocks were exploited by mining works (quarries). We identified Sarmatian limestone pieces by the
mineralogical-petrographical study, which are originated from the Pusztazámor-Sóskút-Törökbálint
outcrop line. They correlate with the different levels from the Upper Sarmatian stratigraphic section,
which are known from somé quarries and research cores. Apart from those fragments, we identified
Badenian and Eocene limestones, Oligocene coarse sandstone and Triassic dolomité fragments, as well a
piece of biotitic gránité. Subordinately appears the quartz pebbles from the Danube alluvia. In
comparison with the smaller urns, we remarked, that the larger sepulchral ones bear larger pieces and
bigger quantities of rock fragments, with more various petrographic composition. The larger rock
fragments on top of the urns exposed on the surface must have played a cultic role, just like the marble
obelisks in our modern cementery. Finally, we concluded that acquisition, the transportation, and
manufacture of the stones from the other side of the Danube, from the appropriate quarries presupposes
a well organised community, which on the other hand, suggests a highly structured society