Ontzet van Bergen op Zoom door Maurits, penning uitgereikt aan de verdedigers 1622

This is a silver medal, crafted by an anonymous artist, awarded to the defenders of Bergen op Zoom, circa 1622. These medals served as both reward and a symbol of allegiance during a tumultuous era in European history. The medal commemorates the successful defense against the Spanish siege, a pivotal moment in the Eighty Years' War. On one side, we see the Dutch lion, armed with a sword, representing the strength and resolve of the Dutch Republic. The other side depicts figures flanking a coat of arms, possibly alluding to civic unity. These medals highlight themes of national identity and military prowess but they are also imbued with complex social dynamics. For those who received it, the medal was a recognition of their service and sacrifice and was a means of solidifying loyalty and national identity. They offer a glimpse into how societies memorialize events and honor those who participated.