Denmark Unveils 1,800-Year-Old Miniature Portrait of Alexander the Great
The miniature portrait of Alexander the Great dates back to approximately 200 AD, coinciding with the reign of the Roman Emperor Caracalla.
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기사입력 : 2024.04.24 06:22
"I nearly toppled from my chair," exclaims Danish archaeologist Freerck Oldenburger, recounting the electrifying moment when he laid eyes on a miniature bronze likeness of Alexander the Great, discovered right in Denmark.
Speaking to Live Science, Oldenburger marvels at the piece's intricacies and notes its striking resemblance to the legendary conqueror. "It bears all the hallmarks of Alexander the Great, from his iconic wavy locks to the symbolic ram's horns," he remarks.
Metal detectorists Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen stumbled upon the remarkable artifact during a routine survey in a field outside Ringstedt, a quaint town nestled on the island of Zealand, a mere 50 kilometers southwest of Copenhagen, Denmark's bustling capital. Measuring a mere 2.7 cm in diameter and crafted from a bronze alloy, the find was promptly handed over to the esteemed West Zealand Museum, where Oldenburger plies his trade.
Dating back to around 200 AD, during the reign of the enigmatic Roman Emperor Caracalla, the miniature portrait offers a tantalizing glimpse into a bygone era of fascination and emulation. "Caracalla's infatuation with Alexander the Great is well-documented," explains Oldenburger. "He not only emulated Alexander's style but fervently believed himself to be the reincarnation of the illustrious conqueror."
Despite Denmark lying a staggering 2,000 kilometers from Alexander's birthplace in Macedonia, the ancient world's allure transcended geographical boundaries. Another likeness of Alexander had previously been unearthed, albeit in gold-plated silver. "Remarkably, this newly discovered portrait bears striking similarities, albeit in cast bronze," Oldenburger observes, highlighting its unique composition and craftsmanship.
The bronze's high lead content suggests a meticulous casting process, possibly involving repurposing a bronze statuette. "This find is unparalleled in Scandinavian history, intimately linking our region with one of antiquity's most revered figures," Oldenburger asserts, his excitement palpable. In a world where history continues to surprise, this miniature marvel stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the past.
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