A 2000 year-old Bronze Matrix of Sarmizegetusa : In the world of archaeological discoveries, few finds enchant the mind as much as the hexagonal bronze matrix found at Sarmizegetusa Regia in Romania.
This remarkable artifact, which dates back two thousand years, was uncovered from the roots of a tree uprooted by a storm in 2013, quickly becoming the centerpiece of Dacian and Roman Civilization Museum in Deva.
Weighing an impressive 8 kg and measuring 5 cm in thickness, this distinctive hexagonal matrix showcases eight sides, each intricately detailed with various sculptures. Its surface teems with an array of mythical and real creatures, including noble griffins and powerful lions and tigers, providing insight into the rich symbolism of ancient Mediterranean and Pontic cultures.
Scholars suggest that this matrix was an essential tool for Dacian jewelers, allowing them to create stunning decorative items from precious metals. Its discovery within Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital of the Dacian Kingdom, highlights the region’s flourishing artistic expression during the turbulent times of Roman conquest.
