A bronze statue of Silenus (Silenus), the Greek god of vegetation and ecstatic joy, was discovered on the Danish island of Falster in 2015. Scientists determined the origin of the find during the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus. The figurine proves that there were close contacts between Rome and the peoples inhabiting the territory of Scandinavia.
The figurine shows an elderly, bearded and balding man with thin lips and a large nose. The find is only 4.5 cm high and was found thanks to a metal detector. The lucky finder was a private person who took the figurine home, believing it to be contemporary art. Over time, however, the man decided to take the object to the Danish National Museum, where experts found out what exactly the find was.
In the Roman play, Silenus was usually shown in the company of Bacchus, in a state of strong alcohol intoxication. Usually, his images depicted him being carried by others or hung by a mule.
According to Roman custom, during the feast, the citizens lay on sofas with a headboard, specially adapted for feasting lectus tricliniaris. The furniture was decorated with figurines and elements referring to food and drink. Probably this figurine was part of the couch.
The question remains, how did an object from Roman culture end up in such a distant place? Scientists have a few assumptions: as a gift, as a war trophy, or as a result of trade.
