1800-year-old portrait of Alexander the Great discovered in Denmark

According to the latest data, metal detectors during a survey on the island came across a miniature bronze portrait, presumably depicting Alexander the Great. According to reports, Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen made a remarkable discovery during field research near Ringsted, a city located on on the Danish island of Zealand, and immediately donated the artifacts to the West Zealand Museum.

Referring to this, Danish archaeologist Frirk Oldenburger noted that the artifact “demonstrates the characteristic features of Alexander the Great, including including his unmistakable wavy hair and the image of ram's horns.”

The bronze artifact measures approximately 1 inch (2.7 centimeters) in diameter and is made of a bronze alloy. According to a statement from the West Zealand Museum, it is engraved with a portrait of a man with wavy hair wearing a crown of twisted ram's horns. Archaeologists immediately recognized this figure as Alexander the Great, the famous ruler of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, whose vast empire stretched from the Balkans to modern-day Pakistan, until his untimely death at the age of 32.

Frirk Oldenburger, an archaeologist at the Museum West Zealand, explained that the piece showcases distinctive attributes associated with Alexander the Great, such as his signature wavy locks of hair and ram's horns. The similarity to another portrait discovered earlier further supports the identification.

Although the purpose of the artifact remains unclear, experts estimate its origins to be around 200 AD. It may have functioned as a decorative disc shield or bracket attached to a sword belt, giving insight into the fashion and style that prevailed in the era. Notably, this period coincided with the reign of Caracalla, a Roman emperor from 198 to 217 AD, known for his admiration of Alexander the Great.

Caracalla's fascination with the Greek conqueror led him to imitate Alexander's style and clothing, with some sources even suggest that he believed himself to be the reincarnation of Alexander. Oldenburger emphasized that Caracalla was depicted with a shield with a portrait of Alexander the Great, which emphasizes the emperor's deep admiration for his ancient predecessor.

Source: timesofindia