Introduction
This article discusses the known pre-history and early history of the area corresponding to modern day Hungary, and the peoples associated with this area. For an account of the more recent history of Hungary, see History of Hungary.
The Prehistoric Record
Archeological evidence suggests that this area has been populated by humans since well before the prehistoric Neolithic period, or at least since about 8,000 BCE.
Early History
The Earliest Historical Record
This same area first enters the historical record in about 350 BCE, then known as Dacia by the Greeks. Dacian slaves are recorded as having been sold in the Athenian slave market around this time.
Relations With The Roman Empire
During the time of the Roman Empire and the Roman Republic, the area that corresponds to modern day Hungary was known by the Romans as the areas of Dacia and Pannonia. These areas fell under Roman jurisdiction during various periods of the Roman Empire.
The Arrival of the Huns
Around 370 CE an asiatic people known as the Huns first began invading Europe from the eastern steppes. These peoples are now believed to have descended from Central Asian ancestors. The Huns eventually reached the height of their expansion under the well known conquerer Attila the Hun in the latter fifth century CE. During this period, the Huns controlled an area that was centered about modern day Hungary. The Huns are also believed to be amongst the ancestors of most modern day Hungarians. Recent genetic, and blood type research supports this theory. See Hungarian Old Country- by Dr. Istvan Kiszely.
The Etymology of the name: Hungary
Many people believe that the name: Hungary was originally derived from the root word: Hun. This would seem to be a good possibility, due to the close geographical similarities, as well as due to the similarities in pronunciation.
An alternative explanation for the derivation of the word: Onoguria is that it may come from the Slavonic phrase meaning "Ten Arrows", (On-Ogur). This term is first found in the ninth century CE and was used by contemporaries to describe the federation of ten Magyar and Khazar tribes that existed at that time in that area.
The Arrival of the Avars
This area was in turn dominated by the Avars in the sixth century CE through the end of the eighth century CE. It was during this period that the term: Onoguria was first recorded.
Magyar Founding of the Nation of Hungary
Traditionally, the nation of Hungary was founded in the 9th century CE under the leadership of Árpád the Magyar. Árpád led the seven Magyar tribes down out of the Carpathian Steppes and into the Hungarian plains. These seven tribes later became the nucleus of the Kingdom of Hungary under Árpád's great-great-grandson, Stephen I of Hungary.
The Christianization of Hungary
The Kingdom of Hungary was first officially converted to Christianity in 1000 AD by Stephen I of Hungary. After this period, references to the nation of Hungary appear regularly in numerous historical references. For an account of the more recent history of Hungary, refer to History of Hungary.