History Forum / General / Archaeology / February 2007

AMMO?

[AMMO] - A team from the University of West Timisoara in Timisoara
[UVT] may have begun investigations into the origins of a massive city
20km north of that western Romanian centre which has mystified the very
few who are aware of its existence. The identity of the builders and
the reasons for its abandonment seem to be hotly debated issues among
them but answers may be on the way ... maybe.

The four walled city, as large as ancient Rome, is quite unique in that
the famous coliseum could fit comfortably astride one its walls, the
length of which total over 33km. When contacted, prominent European
archaeologists say they had no knowledge of the site until very
recently and that they are fascinated by the great achievements of ...
somebody.

The site, as well as other large features nearby, is unrecorded on the
highly detailed official lists of Romanian cultural assets. When taken
as a whole or in parts, they clearly show several periods of alpha
occupation in the area but most importantly to some, the city sits
where they believe Attila the Hun made his capital. The UVT team is
convinced the site we see is actually much older [middle bronze] and
completely unassociated with Attila but the debate and probably the
research will continue. Probably in that the UVT team has concurrently
reported that they do not have funding hence no work will be done
and/or that work has already begun. Work commencing would effectively
block a project earlier proposed by a group from Canada with an
interest in developing the site for charity.

The city of Attila, recorded in the writings of a 5th century Roman
envoy, was described as vast with great wooden walls, the logs of which
were fitted so cleanly together that it was difficult to discern a
break even under close inspection. The palace tent of Attila stood on
the highest point and was surrounded by a wall with watchtowers. From
Hungarian writings we find that the city was divided as servants lived
on the edges then palaces with the royal household [including some 300
wives] in the centre. Attila's palace tent was shaded by a great
golden statue of the Turul eagle, emblem of his family.

Work could no doubt continue for several years but a key feature which
would help identify the city may be lurking just beside the cemetery of
the small and unsuspecting village of Cornesti in the great city's
southwest corner. When viewed in satellite photography, the outline of
a complex symmetrical stone structure measuring 100m by 60m bearing a
strong resemblance to a late roman bath is discernable. This would be
important as Attila's vizier Onegesius is said to have had
constructed, as the only stone building in the city, a fine Roman bath
for the people.

If the site could be shown to be Attila's capital, it raises
speculation that his tomb may be close by. It is believed that after he
died, a great celebration was held outside the city walls and his body
removed in the dead of night to be buried either in a diverted river or
in a great earthen tomb. The slaves assigned to the task were killed to
keep the secret which has endured to this day.

pics >>  http://216.109.132.28/cornesti_vinga.html