
About this episode
Doctor Magdolna Szilágyi discusses her research on medieval road systems in Western Hungary during the Arpad period.
After the graduation from CEU, doctor Magdolna Szilágyi talks about her dissertation about road systems in Western Hungary during the Arpad period. While the stereotypes say that medieval people lived in isolated societies and traveled a little, the research proved that the long journeys to the pilgrim locations, annual fairs, and other destinations were common. The doctor also claims that the road systems were not homogenous, describing eight main categories of the routes from her research and their hierarchy. She focuses on the county of Vas, the border territory with both the old Roman roads and medieval paths.From this episode, you may also learn what the illegal routes were and how they appeared, what was the difference between “ecclesiastical,” “corpse,” and “king” road, and why salt was transported only on the Roman roads. In the conclusions, Magdolna Szilágyi gives the insight into recent innovations in medieval archaeology and the international digital projects on roads and communication in Central Europe. Past Perfect! is CEU Medieval Radio’s show on medieval and early modern history and culture, where Christopher Mielke casually discusses with his guests various issues…
People in this episode
Host: Christopher Mielke
Guest: Magdolna Szilágyi
Topics covered
- medieval road systems
- Arpad period
- pilgrimage routes
- medieval archaeology
- transportation of goods
Keywords
- medieval roads
- Arpad period
- Vas county
- illegal routes
- ecclesiastical roads
- salt transportation
- digital projects
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CEU Medieval Radio
Places: Western Hungary, county of Vas
More episodes of Hungary
- Bringing Science Closer: Trust, Vulnerability, and the Ethics of Engagement · February 25, 2026 · 24 min
- Cultures of Hate and Oppression: student podcasts on the Holocaust, antisemitism and gender · May 12, 2025 · 36 min
- Nazi collaboration and Holocaust museums · April 14, 2023 · 35 min
- Conflict, Collusion, and an Unholy Alliance – Diplomatic Relationships in 14th Century Balkans · March 22, 2023 · 36 min
- Aquincum, the Town and its Legacy · February 21, 2023 · 32 min
- Production and Symbolism of Transylvanian Altarpieces in the 15th & 16th Centuries · April 9, 2022 · 39 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Hungary podcast page.