Temple of Trajan in Pergamon

The Temple of Trajan (Traianeum) is one of the most magnificent monuments of the Roman period in Pergamon, built in honor of Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD) and his successor Hadrian (117–138 AD). Construction began under Trajan but was completed under Hadrian, who personally visited Pergamon in 124 AD and likely contributed to its completion.

The temple was erected on the territory of the Pergamon Acropolis—the political and religious center of the city. Interestingly, it replaced an older structure: presumably, a Hellenistic temple once stood here, possibly dedicated to Athena or another deity. However, there is no precise data about the previous building, as the Romans completely redesigned the site.

The Temple of Trajan symbolized the might of Rome and the special status of Pergamon as one of the most important cities in Asia. The imperial cult was widespread in the Roman provinces, and this temple became a center for the veneration of Trajan and Hadrian as divine patrons of the city.

Architecture of the Temple of Trajan

The Temple of Trajan was constructed in the Corinthian order and was a peripteros (surrounded by columns on all sides), measuring approximately 68 × 58 meters. It featured hexastyle porticoes (six columns) at the front and rear, with nine columns on each side. The columns reached a height of about 15 meters, with a diameter of 1.6 meters.

A distinctive feature of the temple was its artificial platform, elevated on a massive substructure (cryptoporticus) made of precisely fitted stone blocks. This solution was necessary due to the complex terrain of the acropolis. Beneath the temple, there were vaulted chambers, possibly used for storing offerings or cult purposes.

The Temple of Trajan was richly decorated: 
• Marble reliefs depicting mythological scenes and military triumphs. 
• Statues of Trajan and Hadrian in the guise of gods (possibly Zeus or Dionysus). 
• Gilded elements on the column capitals and entablature. 
• Adjacent to the temple stood an altar and likely a ceremonial square.

The Temple`s Fate and Modern Remains

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the temple, like the rest of Pergamon, fell into decline. During the Byzantine period, its materials may have been reused for other constructions. The temple suffered significant damage from earthquakes, as it was located in a seismically active zone.

Today, the following remains of the Temple of Trajan can be seen:

• Part of the colonnade (several columns reconstructed by German archaeologists in the 20th century). 
• Fragments of the foundation and substructure, overlooking the ancient theater. 
• Scattered marble blocks and capitals across the Acropolis site.

The most impressive feature is the reconstructed colonnade, which gives an idea of the structure`s original grandeur.

The Temple of Trajan in Archaeology and Culture

Excavations of the temple began in 1878–1886 under the direction of German archaeologist Carl Humann. Today, the Pergamon Acropolis, including the ruins of the Temple of Trajan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Temple of Trajan is a key example of Roman temple architecture in Asia Minor, blending Hellenistic traditions with imperial Roman style. Its study helps us understand how Rome integrated local cults into its imperial ideology. The Temple of Trajan in Pergamon is a majestic monument of the Roman Empire, symbolizing imperial power and the fusion of Greco-Roman culture. Although only ruins remain, they still impress with their scale and craftsmanship. Visiting the Pergamon Acropolis, one can imagine how one of the grandest temples in Asia once stood here.