A remarkable discovery has shed new light on the far-reaching influence of Alexander the Great. An 1,800-year-old bronze artifact featuring his portrait was recently found in Ringsted, Zealand, Denmark, surprising archaeologists and historians alike. This finding underscores Alexander’s lasting legacy, even in regions far beyond his empire.
The Discovery of the Artifact
The artifact was unearthed by two amateur archaeologists, who promptly handed it over to the Museum of Western Zealand. Upon examination, museum experts identified the figure depicted on the circular bronze piece as none other than Alexander the Great. His distinctive curly hair and ram’s horns—a symbol of the Egyptian god Ammon, whom Alexander claimed as his divine father—provided clear indications of his identity.
Reviving the Glory of Alexander the Great
Museum officials have highlighted the significance of this small bronze disc, particularly its historical context. The artifact has been dated to the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, also known as Caracalla, who ruled from 198 to 217 AD. Caracalla was famously fascinated with Alexander the Great, considering himself his reincarnation. He emulated the Macedonian conqueror’s military style, donning Macedonian armor and weaponry. Scholars suggest that the artifact may have been commissioned by Roman artisans under Caracalla’s rule. The metal composition aligns with Roman manufacturing techniques, but it remains unclear whether it was crafted in Rome and transported to Denmark or produced locally by Zealand’s craftsmen.
Previous Discoveries
This is not the first time Alexander the Great’s image has been found in Denmark. In 1950, archaeologists discovered 15,000 Iron Age artifacts in a dried-up lake in eastern Jutland, a site believed to be the location of a battle between two Germanic tribes. The victorious tribe is thought to have thrown their enemies’ weapons into the lake as offerings to the gods. Among these items, one bore the likeness of Alexander the Great, further emphasizing his enduring influence across different cultures and eras.
Alexander’s Enduring Influence
Historians believe Caracalla’s obsession with Alexander explains the presence of such objects within the Roman Empire’s sphere of influence. The discovery in Denmark adds to the growing body of evidence that Alexander’s legacy extended far beyond the regions he personally conquered, inspiring rulers and warriors centuries after his death. This new find serves as yet another testament to the profound impact of the legendary Macedonian leader on global history.
