1100-1300 AD. Byzantine. A very rare cast silver pendant with gilding comprising a circular hoop around a figural scene. The scene a male figure representing Alexander the Great, in a hieratic pose, wearing carefully engraved kingly dress including a crown and full armour; he stands astride two rearing gryphons shown in profile. After conquering much of the known world in the later 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia. remained a major historical figure and subject of admiration for much of the rest of history. He was commonly viewed as a model for aspiring generals and politicians, especially in the Greek-speaking Byzantine empire. A range of myths and legends evolved to describe his exploits, which were considered to be so great that they often assumed a fantastical dimension, as the various stories in the Alexander Romance attest. This scene probably depicts Alexander when he “conquered” the air, after he was done conquering huge tracts of land. Excellent condition; wearable. Size: L:54mm / W:50mm ; 18.3g; Provenance: Property of a professional London art expert; obtained from an old British collection formed in the 1970s.