An exceptionally detailed raised-relief replica depicting Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus in 333 BC, one of the most celebrated military victories of the ancient world. This striking historical artwork recreates the dramatic appearance of an ancient Greek sculptural battle relief, inspired by the remarkable surviving carvings of the Alexander Sarcophagus, discovered at Sidon and preserved in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. At the centre of the composition, Alexander the Great charges into battle on horseback, wearing elaborate Macedonian armour and a flowing cloak, his spear extended towards the opposing Persian warriors. Surrounding him, Macedonian soldiers advance with their distinctive helmets, shields and long spears, while Persian warriors struggle to defend themselves against the advancing army. The foreground is filled with fallen soldiers, horses, discarded shields, broken weapons and battlefield debris, creating an exceptionally intricate composition with remarkable depth and movement. The weathered ivory-coloured sculptural figures contrast beautifully against the dark natural slate, giving the artwork the appearance of a miniature archaeological relief. **THE HISTORY BEHIND THE SCENE** In 333 BC, Alexander the Great confronted the Persian army of King Darius III at the Battle of Issus, near the southeastern coast of present-day Turkey. Despite facing a formidable Persian force, Alexander's Macedonian army achieved a decisive victory, forcing Darius III to retreat. The battle became one of the defining moments of Alexander's extraordinary military career and helped open the way for his subsequent conquest of much of the Persian Empire. Scenes of Macedonian and Persian warfare were immortalised in ancient Greek artwork, most notably the magnificent Alexander Sarcophagus, dating to the late fourth century BC. Discovered in the royal necropolis of Sidon in 1887, this extraordinary marble monument features intricately carved battle scenes showing Alexander and his warriors confronting Persian forces. Its battle imagery is commonly associated with the Battle of Issus. The original sarcophagus is now preserved in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Turkey. **A UNIQUE FEATURE — ENGRAVED HISTORICAL REVERSE** An especially interesting feature of this piece is the historical inscription engraved directly onto the reverse of the natural slate. The engraving identifies the Battle of Issus, its date of 333 BC, and explains Alexander's victory over King Darius III. It also references the surviving Alexander Sarcophagus, providing a direct connection between the decorative artwork and the genuine historical sources that inspired it. This carefully considered addition transforms the plaque into an informative miniature historical display piece, combining sculptural artistry with the fascinating story behind one of antiquity's greatest military encounters. **CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRESENTATION** The artwork has been individually produced on genuine natural slate using advanced raised UV printing technology. The sculptural composition rises approximately 3 mm above the slate surface, creating a pronounced three-dimensional effect. Intricate details including the soldiers' armour, facial expressions, horse harnesses, military equipment and scattered battlefield objects have been carefully reproduced in raised relief. The natural texture and irregular edges of the slate complement the weathered stone appearance, giving the finished piece the character of a historical archaeological reproduction. Both sides have been finished with attention to detail, with the raised-relief scene on the front and the engraved historical account on the reverse. **OBJECT DETAILS** Artwork: Alexander the Great – The Battle of Issus, 333 BC Civilisation: Ancient Macedonia / Hellenistic Greek Object type: Historical Raised-Relief Replica Material: Natural slate Dimensions: Approximately 10 × 10 cm Total depth: Approximately 7 mm, including raised relief Raised relief height: Approximately 3 mm Weight: Approximately 100 grams Technique: Raised UV printing Reverse: Engraved historical inscription Historical inspiration: The Alexander Sarcophagus, Istanbul Archaeological Museums Condition: Good condition This is a later-produced decorative historical reproduction inspired by ancient Greek sculptural art, not an original archaeological artefact or an exact cast of the surviving sarcophagus. An unusual and visually impressive piece for collectors of ancient Greek history, Alexander the Great, classical military art and archaeological reproductions. Combining exceptional raised-relief detail with an engraved account of a genuine historical event, this distinctive natural slate plaque offers a fascinating miniature interpretation of one of the ancient world's most famous battles. Shipping: Royal Mail International Tracked delivery service, tracking number will be added to your order page on posting for you to track to ensure safety and peace of mind. This item is coming from the UK: Customs Duties & Taxes: Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I am not responsible for delays due to customs. Potential Delays: Whilst I strive to ensure a timely delivery, please be aware that shipping times might be affected due to the customs processes in place post-Brexit. Additional Costs: Import fees, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be thank you. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a lapidary test, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.