[ Cet article a initialement été publié le 16 avril 2024]
The recent discovery of a bronze portrait of Alexander the Great in a field on the Danish island of Zealand highlights the reach of this historical figure’s influence far beyond the borders of his empire. Found by two amateur archaeologists equipped with metal detectors, the rare 26- to 28-millimeter coin may date back to around 200 CE, a period marked by intense cultural exchange between the Romans and the Germanic peoples of northern Europe.
This find raises important questions about trade routes, cultural interactions and the worship of historical figures in regions far from their origin.
An unexpected discovery for Alexander the Great
Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen, two amateur archaeologists, usually scour the grounds of the island of Zealand with their metal detectors, hoping to find relics of the past. Their passion for history has often led them to interesting discoveries. But nothing that comes close to the importance of their recent find.
One ordinary day, while exploring a field near Ringsted, Finn's detector emitted a strong signal. It probably indicated the presence of metal beneath the surface. After digging, they unearthed a bronze medallion, small in size but heavy with meaning.
This medallion measures between 26 and 28 millimeters in diameter, cast in a bronze alloy containing lead. It bears a striking image of Alexander the Great, recognizable by his stylized ram's horns. This is an attribute associated with the god Zeus Ammon that the Macedonian conqueror had adopted following his visit to the oracle of Siwa in Egypt.
The delicately crafted ornament suggests that it may have served as decoration on a shield or belt. This is typical of Roman military equipment of the time. The artifact not only symbolizes power and divinity, but also reflects the cultural exchanges between the Roman Empire and the Nordic regions during the Late Antique period.
This illustrates the extent of Alexander's influence long after his death, on generations of Roman emperors who considered him an exemplary model.
Let us recall that Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) embodies the most illustrious military commander of antiquity. When he died in Babylon, at only 32 years old, his empire covered territories extending from Greece to India. His legacy endured well beyond his death.
The historical and cultural significance of the portrait of Alexander
When Freerk Oldenburger, an archaeologist at Vestsjælland Museum, first examined the bronze portrait discovered by Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen, he had no doubts about the identity of the figure depicted. In his own words, the distinctive face with ram's horns was unmistakably that of Alexander the Great. His fame transcended the borders of his ancient empire.
His image survived in geographical contexts far removed from his original reign. Oldenburger underlines the importance of this discovery in a statement. This is a unique find in Scandinavia, which connects this region to one of the most famous personalities in world history. “.
However, archaeologists only speculate about the function of this artifact. Was it cast by the Romans, using the same lead-containing alloy to melt statuettes? Was it cast by the Romans from a remelted statuette, or did the remelting take place in Zeeland?
If the stand was cast by the Romans, how did it end up in a field near Ringsted? What was the significance of the portrait of Alexander the Great for the Germans living in Denmark around 200 AD? Did they believe that the portrait could bring good luck on the battlefield?
Oldenburger also explored hypotheses about how such an object could have arrived in Scandinavia. He suggests that it could have come through trade networks or through warriors or merchants who passed through the Empire. These exchanges would have facilitated the integration of Roman objects into the ritual and social practices of the Nordic peoples.
The obvious archaeological implications
This portrait offers a valuable insight into the cultural and religious practices of the Roman period, particularly during the reign of Caracalla. This Roman emperor is known for his deep and somewhat obsessive admiration for Alexander the Great. Caracalla sought to emulate and claim the legacy of the famous Macedonian conqueror.
This admiration extended beyond mere state affairs to influence the cultural and spiritual aspects of his reign, as evidenced by the presence of these artifacts.
” Objects like this bronze portrait may have functioned as amulets or symbols of power, adopted by local elites to assert their authority. “, Oldenburger explained. This reveals the dynamics of power and identity influenced by Roman imperial iconography. The portrait was meant to channel the qualities of the great emperor into its owner, instilling an aura of divinity and imperial legitimacy.
During the reign of Caracalla, a great battle took place at Illerup Ådal, near Skanderborg, where two Germanic armies clashed. The battle cost many lives and the remaining swords, bows, arrows, spears and shields were offered as sacrifices to the gods and thrown into a lake.
Shields decorated with tiny decorative discs depicting portraits of warriors were discovered during the excavations at the lake. One of these decorative discs bears a portrait of Alexander the Great, identical to the portrait on the newly discovered mount at Ringsted. The portrait from Illerup is on display at Moesgård Museum.
Thus, this small bronze portrait acts as a key opening onto much broader aspects of ancient history, revealing how myths and heroes transcend cultures and eras.
Allan is out in the field, at the heart of the action. Specializing in local reports and in-depth investigations, he has a knack for revealing the stories behind our city’s facades.
