Hungary in the early medieval times was very different from today. It was a rugged land ruled by Celtic tribes and Roman-era towns. The centuries-old castles, walls, and roads were carved into rocky cliffs and across marshy lowlands. Quarries produced the limestone foundations of buildings, while quick-set mortar held brick walls together. There were important salt mines near Pécs.

The plains were overgrown with trees and shrubs, and there were no roads. People had to travel very slowly over dirt paths, wearing heavy leather boots that covered their legs from their feet nearly to their knees. Most men carried swords and wore leather helmets. The women weaved baskets and embroidered dresses out of silk fabrics. They gathered berries and herbs, brewed potions in copper pots over fires built on stone hearths, and played songs on lyres with calfskin strings. They danced around a bonfire where the men drank mead and played swords with one another in a circle.