carved features (holes, channels, bowl-shaped pits, rock caldrons) is really important, at least for multiple-aspect comparison and analysis with the known analogies. When? Based on geomorphological survey and niche periodization attempts for the beehive rocks on the Nyerges-hegy [Saddled hill] near Eger, we can now estimate three major niche carving periods within the calendar of history: first generation: 5th–6th centuries (400–550) – age of Huns and Sarmatians; second generation: 7th–8th centuries (670–800) – age of Pannonian Avars (“Onoğur” Bulgarians); third generation: 10th–16th centuries (900–1500) – age of “Magyar” Hungarians. When considering the whole Bükkalja, it should be mentioned that the first niches had probably been carved well before the beginning of the Nyerges-based first generation. Dating of them however will require further thorough studies and exploring the analogies. All the archaeological finds brought up so far are associated with the third generation: the ceramic fragments are evidences of use of the niches during the Árpád-kor period (between the 9th and the 14th centuries) of the Kingdom of Hungary, but not proofs regarding the age of the first niches. Who? The wide time range derived from the periodization of niches, accompanied by the territorial distribution of the beehive rocks, suggests primarily that people practicing the rituals related to the niches had already lived in the area even in the age of the Migration Period (age of Huns), then in the age of Avars and Onogurs (late Avars), and also after the so-called Hungarian conquest, and they were a distinct part of the population throughout varying state settings. Why? Ladislaus I of Hungary issued a code #1 (in 1092, Szabolcs) in which one of the dispositions of the 40 Church-related measures set forth (decr. 1. 22.) acted against pagan rituals; it forbade practicing pagan sacrificial rituals at springs, waters, trees and rocks/stones. Quote from the Latin source: “Quicunque ritu gentilium iuxta puteos sacrificaverit, vel ad arbores et ad fontes, et lapides oblationes obtulerit…” (Whoever practices pagan or national rites of sacrificing at wells, or offers sacrifice at trees, springs and stones...). Though not proven, the word lapis – that could mean pagan altar stone or rock altar, accordingly to Arnold Ipolyi – may stand for beehive rocks as well. The mysteries around beehive rocks – niches, holes, bowl-shaped pits, channels carved into rock surfaces – can be approached also from the characteristics of such pagan religious practices, with the help of a