According to a commonly held belief based on an ancient myth, Hungarians are the sister nation of the Huns, and originated from the land of the Scythians somewhere in Central Asia. Scythians and the Huns formed the two greatest nomadic empires of Eurasia before the sixth century A.D.
There is strong cultural relationship among the nomadic peoples who followed one another. On the following pages you will see a clear demonstration of how the peoples of the Eurasian steppe - from Scythians to Magyars - form a cultural continuum that is undeniably real. This cultural similarity is, of course, not an accident. These people lived under very similar natural conditions and were exposed to similar physical, biological and other forces that shaped their lifestyles. Also, they lived in close proximity and sometimes under the power of some others, and sometimes they were mixing by intermarriages. The continuous and changing contact left many marks on their traditions, customs and art.
The unique nomadic lifestyle required certain skills that almost all nomadic nations shared. Being almost always on the move they used only large temporary tents (yurts) and relied heavily on animal products. They were primarily herdsmen and not farmers. Their everyday tools, cauldrons, vessels, buckles and jewelry show a certain degree of similarity as a result. They were also excellent horsemen and fierce warriors. The horse played a central role in their life. Not only did many of these people sacrificed horses for ritual purposes, but the men were usually buried with their most important animal company. Burial with horses is typical among Scythians, Sarmatians (Massagetae), Avars and Magyars.
The myths and beliefs of the nomads are a manifestation of their very intimate relationship with nature. Their art clearly reflects these myths, legends and old traditions. Frequently, their tools were decorated with mythological figures or scenes, or scenes of their everyday life, as seen, for example, on Scythian vessels. Animals that were common on the steppes at the time, such as sheep, lion, leopard, eagles and falcons are recurring figures in the art of these nomads throughout centuries. Deer may have been particularly important, since it is one of the most commonly used figure on decorations of Scythian, Avar and - less frequently - on Magyar artifacts. Although experts can clearly distinguish among the artistic styles of different nomadic nations, the frequently appearing elements common in almost all styles undeniably attest the common root of their art.
Below you can find a selection of finds from Scythian, Hun, Avar and Magyar tombs and graves as a representative collection of this magnificent - and sadly, little known - cultural heritage.
Many Hungarians regard themselves as the direct descendants of the peoples of the greatest Hun king, Attila, who lived in and ruled from the eastern part of the Carpathian Basin which is now Hungary. Even though scientists do not accept the idea of any biological relationship, the myth still persists strongly. Hungarians are still proud of their ancestors and their achievements. Not surprisingly, the name Attila is very popular among Hungarians even today - uniquely among European nations.
A cultural continuum
Everyday life
Lions, sheep, stags and falcons
Scythian art from Southern Ukraine, Russia, and Hungary
Avar art from Hungary
Magyar art from Hungary