Archaeological heritage is composed by “all detectable signs of human life originating before 1711 on the ground, under the ground or water surface and in natural or artificial cavities which help to reconstruct the history of mankind and its relationship with the environment.” Archaeological finds are “tangible elements of archaeological heritage perceived, discovered, detected (depending on their character), irrespective whether they have moved or have been moved from their original location, relations or conditions or not. Those cultural assets shall not be considered archaeological finds that were created before 1711 and have remained in art collections with proof.” An archaeological monument has “property elements of archaeological heritage.” Areas with archaeological interest are “all areas, natural or artificial cavities and waterbeds on which or in which an archaeological site might be found or assumed to exist.” Archaeological excavation is defined as “all activities involving scientific methods (site survey, excavation, certifying and trial excavation, advance excavation, rescue excavation and instrumental find and site detection) the aim of which is to find elements of archaeological heritage.”

You can find out more about the legislation in Hungary in the BASELINE STUDY prepared by the project partners.