The second 'The Transformation of Europe in the Third Millennium BC' conference unfolded over four days, from April 24 to 27, 2024 in the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary. Hosted by the Research Centre for Human Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, this gathering brought together a diverse array of European and American scholars.
Throughout the conference, both in-person attendees and those tuning in via a live YouTube transmission were treated to an intellectually stimulating program, with 13 lectures and 13 keynotes, all insightful and captivating, curated into six sessions. These sessions were vibrant forums for lively discussions, showcasing the latest findings in interdisciplinary research involving archaeology as well as genetics, bioanthropology, and isotope studies, spanning from the Caucasus to Central and Northern Europe during the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. The conversation seamlessly extended into more informal settings in the evenings, where the exchange of ideas flowed freely amidst the backdrop of delicious Hungarian cuisine.
Despite the conference’s packed agenda, opportunities still existed to appreciate Hungary’s cultural richness. On Thursday evening, attendees were captivated by Budapest’s breathtaking scenery during a boat ride conference dinner along the Danube river, marvelling at iconic landmarks such as the majestic Parliament Building. Friday offered a thematic excursion to Kiskunság National Park, where the participants immersed themselves in the westernmost steppe landscape of the Hungarian Plain. Here, they had the privilege of visiting one of the region’s most imposing burial mounds, bearing witness to the area’s rich archaeological heritage.