The first confirmed case of a female burial with weapons from the 10th century in the Carpathian Basin, Hungary, has been uncovered. Skeletal remains and grave goods, including weaponry, were identified at the Sárrétudvari-Hízóföld cemetery. This discovery, described by experts, challenges prior assumptions about societal roles during the Hungarian Conquest period, a time marked by mounted archers and frequent conflicts. Although evidence of weapons was present, researchers approached conclusions cautiously, ensuring findings were grounded in detailed analysis.

Archaeological Findings and Methodology

The study was led by Dr. Balázs Tihanyi and his colleagues, published in PLOS ONE. As reported by Phys.org, the burial contained a silver penannular hair ring, bell buttons, a bead necklace, and archery-related items such as an arrowhead, quiver parts, and an antler bow plate. Genetic and morphological tests confirmed the individual, referred to as SH-63, was female, despite the poor preservation of skeletal remains.

Dr. Balázs Tihanyi, leader of the research team, told the publication that the combination of grave goods in SH-63’s burial was unique within the cemetery, blending typically male and female items.

Challenges in Determining Warrior Status

The presence of weapons did not lead to assumptions about SH-63’s status as a warrior. Researchers noted that being part of a warrior class involved specific societal roles, and physical evidence alone is insufficient for confirmation.

Indicators such as joint changes and trauma were identified, possibly suggesting activities like horse riding or weapon use. However, it was emphasised that these signs could also result from daily life unrelated to warfare.

Historical Implications

It was reported that this discovery provides a glimpse into the complexity of life in 10th-century Hungary, with SH-63’s burial raising questions about gender roles and social structures of the time. Further investigations are planned to compare this case with others from the same period, aiming to deepen understanding of the era’s societal dynamics.

Physicists are finalising the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a facility designed to unravel the mysteries surrounding neutrinos, subatomic particles with no electric charge and minimal mass. Scheduled to commence data collection in summer 2025, the observatory aims to identify the heaviest among the three neutrino types. Situated 700 metres beneath the ground in China, the project represents a significant step in the study of these elusive particles and their antiparticle counterparts, antineutrinos.

Key Features of the JUNO Detector

According to a Science News report, the observatory features a 35-metre-wide acrylic sphere at its core, which will hold 20,000 metric tons of liquid scintillator. This liquid is engineered to emit light when particles from an antineutrino interaction are detected. The setup includes tens of thousands of photomultiplier tubes to capture these light signals. To minimise interference from other particles, the detector is surrounded by a water-filled cylindrical pit, the filling of which began on December 18, 2024.

Focus on Antineutrinos

Antineutrinos from two nuclear power plants located 50 kilometres away will be observed, offering insights into their properties and interactions. According to project sources, this experimental setup will not only aid in determining neutrino masses but also contribute to broader physics research, including the understanding of matter-antimatter asymmetry.

Significance of JUNO

Reports indicate that this observatory will be the largest of its kind globally, with scientists expecting groundbreaking findings. By investigating antineutrinos in detail, JUNO is anticipated to enhance understanding of subatomic physics and the fundamental structure of the universe.

The collaborative efforts of international teams underscore the importance of the project in advancing neutrino research. This facility marks a major advancement in the quest to uncover the properties of neutrinos, with its findings expected to have far-reaching implications in the field of particle physics.