The basic task of the Archaeological Archives, established in 2004 with the merger of the Archaeological and Medieval Departments, is the academic research, processing and preservation of archaeological finds in Hungary. The Hungarian National Museum collected artefacts from the entire territory of historical Hungary from the time of the state foundation until the Treaty of Trianon. From the second half of the 20th century onwards, most of the artefacts from archaeological excavations in Hungary were deposited in the museums locally involved. However, the Archaeological and Medieval Department has maintained its professional importance by managing excavations of national importance (Vértesszőlős, Kölked-Feketekapu, Heténypuszta, Zalavár, Doboz, Feldebrő, Gyula Castle, etc.) and by depositing the finds. In addition to their academic work, scholars of the Department also contribute to university education and take their share in organising academia.
