The Acropolis of Pergamon is one of the most impressive monuments of Hellenistic architecture in the world. It can even be compared to the Acropolis of Athens. It is located on a high hill in the modern city of Bergama (Turkey). The Acropolis was built in the 3rd–2nd centuries BC and served as the political, cultural, and religious center of the Pergamon Kingdom.
The founding of the city of Pergamon is associated with the Attalid dynasty, which came to power after the death of Alexander the Great. Pergamon became the capital of an independent kingdom under Philetaerus (283–263 BC), but the city`s heyday came during the reign of Eumenes II (197–159 BC), under whom the main structures of the Acropolis of Ancient Pergamon were erected.
After Pergamon was incorporated into the Roman Empire (133 BC), the city retained its significance, and under Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD) and his successor Hadrian (117–138 AD), new monumental buildings and temples were constructed, which have survived to this day.
Main Attractions of the Pergamon Acropolis:
• Ancient Theater. The theater was built in the 3rd century BC and expanded during the Roman period. It is one of the steepest ancient theaters, seating 10,000 spectators. Its uniqueness lies in its location on a steep hillside with a view of the valley.
• Temple of Dionysus (2nd century BC) is located near the Theater, as the god of wine and theatrical arts was particularly revered in Pergamon.
• Temple of Trajan (Trajaneum). Built under Emperor Hadrian in honor of his predecessor Trajan. It was a Corinthian peripteros (surrounded by columns on all sides), one of the most magnificent Roman temples in Asia Minor.
• Sanctuary of Athena. One of the oldest temples of the Acropolis (4th–3rd centuries BC), dedicated to the city`s patron goddess, Athena Polias. Nearby stood the famous Library of Pergamon, the second largest after the Library of Alexandria.
• Citadel Walls. The mighty defensive walls were erected under Philetaerus and reinforced in subsequent centuries. They protected the upper city from enemy attacks.
• Ruins of Ancient Palaces. The Acropolis preserves the remains of the Attalid Palaces, where the rulers of Pergamon lived. These structures were distinguished by luxurious mosaics and colonnades.
Archaeological Excavations and the Removal of Artifacts to Berlin
In the 19th century, Pergamon attracted the attention of European archaeologists. Between 1878 and 1886, the German engineer Carl Humann conducted large-scale excavations, discovering the Pergamon Altar, as well as valuable statues, reliefs, and architectural fragments of temples.
The Pergamon Altar (also known as the Altar of Zeus) was not part of a temple—it was a standalone monumental structure dedicated to Zeus and Athena. The Pergamon Altar is one of the greatest masterpieces of Hellenistic art. It stood on an open platform in the sacred area of the Pergamon Acropolis, near the Sanctuary of Athena.
Key Facts About the Pergamon Altar:
• Built under Eumenes II (197–159 BC) to commemorate the victory over the Gauls.
• Its grand frieze depicted the Gigantomachy (the battle of the gods with the giants)—a symbol of the Pergamenes` victory over barbarians.
• Architecturally, it was a U-shaped structure with a colonnade and steps leading to the altar.
• It was located on a terrace below the Sanctuary of Athena but was not attached to any temple.
Where is the Pergamon Altar Now?
Under an agreement with the Ottoman Empire (which then ruled these lands), most of the finds from Carl Humann`s excavations were taken to Berlin, where the Pergamon Museum was built for them in 1901. The reason for the removal was the underdeveloped state of archaeology in Turkey at the time and Germany`s desire to create a museum of ancient art.
The Pergamon Acropolis is an outstanding monument of antiquity, combining Hellenistic and Roman architecture. Although many of its treasures are now in Berlin, the archaeological complex in Turkey remains an important historical site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
