Alexander the Greats Presence on a Danish Island!
In a remarkable discovery that adds a fascinating chapter to the rich tapestry of history, archaeologists have uncovered a bronze fitting depicting none other than Alexander the Great himself on the picturesque Danish island of Zealand.
The unearthing of this artifact was no grand expedition led by seasoned professionals, but rather the result of the dedication of two amateur archaeologists, Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen. While conducting a metal detector survey near the city of Ringsted, they stumbled upon this extraordinary piece of history.
Photo Credit: Museum Vestsjaelland
Ringsted holds significance as the site of Zealand’s Sjællands Landsting, a gathering place where early Germanic societies convened for legislative matters, social events, and trade—a hub of activity steeped in ancient lore.
Measuring a mere 3 centimetres in diameter, the bronze fitting portrays the unmistakable visage of Alexander the Great, the legendary Macedonian conqueror who reshaped the geopolitical landscape of his time. From his ascension to the throne in 336 BC to his far-reaching military campaigns across Western Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Egypt, Alexander's legacy is etched in the annals of history.
Experts from the Moesgaard Museum have dated the artifact to the Roman period, showcasing a deified rendition of Alexander with his characteristic wavy locks and the symbolic ram’s horns associated with the god Ammon. This depiction aligns with Alexander's own belief in his divine lineage, often referring to Zeus-Ammon as his true father—a notion further portrayed in currency adorned with horns after his passing.
The significance of this discovery is not lost on archaeologists, who draw parallels with a similar finding at Illerup Ådal, where a trove of artifacts, including shields, swords, and weaponry, was ritually deposited following a significant battle. The resemblance between the fittings suggests a cultural connection, hinting at the circulation of symbols and narratives across distant lands.
Freerk Oldenburger, an archaeologist at Museum Vestsjælland, aptly captures the sentiment evoked by this find, remarking, “It’s fantastic. Up here in Scandinavia, you don’t usually find anything about Alexander the Great, and when you stand with such a small portrait in your hands, you get excited.”
Indeed, the discovery of this miniature yet mighty portrayal of Alexander serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of civilizations, transcending geographical boundaries to weave a narrative that spans continents and centuries.