On-site conservation/reconstruction of an Iron Age tumulus with timber grave chamber, Százhalombatta, Hungary
András Morgós, Ágnes Halpart, Katalin V. Lukacs, András Gelesz, lldikó Paraszlai · Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites · 2006
This paper presents the unique project for the in situ conservation and reconstruction of an Iron Age tumulus in Hungary. A wooden grave chamber was found within the mound with severely degraded but remarkably intact 2700-year-old oak timbers, 5.5m in length and 20–25cm in diameter. A multi-step in situ consolidation treatment was devised using Araldite® BY 158 epoxy resin for surface and deep consolidation of the wood, and Paraloid® B72 acrylic resin for detached layers of wood and large holes and gaps in the wood's structure. As preventative protection against future biodegradation, the wood was treated with Biokomplex Concentrate®, a complex fungicide and insecticide. A protective concrete shell, covered with earth and grass and having the original shape of the tumulus, was erected over the site. The southeast corner of the grave chamber, the chamber roof and the walls of the adjacent corridor were reconstructed with the aim of presenting the site clearly but in a way that would not destroy authenticity, in that reconstructed details are easily distinguishable from the original. The reconstructed Iron Age tumulus, including a multimedia show within, and authentic reconstructions of houses, ovens and hearths from the Bronze Age and Iron Age can all be visited within the Archaeological Park. The Park has become a centre for experimental and environmental archaeology and provides an opportunity for presenting information on history, geography, biology and ancient handicrafts.