Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamum
The Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamum is a monumental structure located in the ancient city of Pergamum, situated on the northwest coast of Asia Minor, known today as Turkey. Erected by King Eumenes II during his reign from 197 to 159 BCE, the altar commemorates the military victories of his father, Attalus I, against the invading Galatians. The altar features a grand design with a high base, surrounded by an Ionic colonnade and flanked by wings that lead to a broad staircase. A notable aspect of the altar is its impressive 400-foot marble frieze titled "Battle of Gods and Giants," which depicts a mythological confrontation symbolizing the triumph of civilization over chaos. The sculptural elements of the frieze are characterized by dynamic poses and intense expressions, reflecting the dramatic style of Pergamene art. This altar served not only as a religious site but also as a statement of the Attalid dynasty's identity as defenders of Greek culture. The Great Altar remains a significant example of Hellenistic architecture and art, showcasing the blending of historical and mythological themes.
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Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamum
Related civilization: Hellenistic Greece.
Date: constructed c. 180-175 b.c.e.
Locale: Pergamum, in Asia Minor
Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamum
The powerful city of Pergamum enjoyed a commanding position on the northwest coast of Asia Minor and served as the capital and showcase of the rulers of the Attalid Dynasty, who gained royal status in the third century b.c.e.King Eumenes II (r. 197-159 b.c.e.) erected the colossal masterpiece known as the Great Altar on the Pergamene Acropolis to glorify the victories of his father Attalus I (r. 241-197 b.c.e.) against marauding Celtic-speaking Gauls (or Galatians), who had crossed from Europe to terrorize Asia Minor. The altar proper stood on a high base and was surrounded by an Ionic colonnade with projecting wings that flanked a broad staircase. The base below the surmounting colonnade carried a 400-foot (122-meter) encircling marble frieze called Battle of Gods and Giants, a battle in which the gods successfully fought for civilization against the violent forces unleashed by the monstrous giants. The sculptural ensemble suggests a parallel between the triumph of the gods and the victories of the Attalids, who saw themselves as preservers of Greek civilization against barbarism. Reflecting the dramatic compositions favored in Pergamene sculptors, the extravagant encircling frieze features larger-than-life figures, carved in high relief, who twist and turn with extraordinary vigor, the dramatic effect being further intensified by violent postures, anguished faces, and unruly hair.
Bibliography
Pollitt, J. J. Art in the Hellenistic Age. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1986.
Stewart, Andrew. Greek Sculpture: An Exploration. 2 vols. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1990.