The history of ancient Hungary begins well before the arrival of the Hungarians themselves, tracing back to the Iron Age and the early cultural developments in the Carpathian Basin. Around 800 BC, the Iron Age began to shape this region, with the emergence of "Thraco-Cimmerian" artifact types that suggested a significant overlap between the pre-Scythian cultures (Novocherkassk culture) and the pre-Celtic Hallstatt culture. This cultural intermingling marked the beginning of a complex interplay between indigenous peoples and incoming groups.

The Hallstatt Culture and Early Inhabitants

By around 750 BC, the Hallstatt culture, named after the archaeological site in Austria, had spread across much of Europe, including the western region of Transdanubia. This culture is renowned for its advancements in metalworking, especially iron, and the production of distinctive pottery and burial practices. As the Hallstatt people settled in this area, they influenced the local populations, leading to a rich blend of traditions and customs. During this period, early Greek ethnographic sources mention tribes such as the Agathyrsi and Sigynnae, believed to inhabit the Carpathian Basin and surrounding territories, which reflects the growing interactions between various ethnic groups.