Archeologische opgravingen in Hongarije 1928

Jan Lanting made this photograph of an archeological dig in Hungary, although the exact date is unknown. The photograph captures a moment of excavation, revealing layers of history beneath the surface. In Hungary, archaeological digs like these can reveal settlements of peoples from the Roman empire to the Ottoman empire. The social conditions that enable such digs are complex. They involve funding, scientific expertise, and government oversight. Institutions like museums and universities often play a key role in organizing and conducting archaeological research. We might ask how this image speaks to its own time. Was it meant to celebrate Hungary's past, or was it meant to further the aims of a particular political agenda? As historians, we use photographs like these as primary sources to understand not only the past, but also how we interpret it in the present. By researching the photographer, the context of the excavation, and the institutions involved, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces at play.