Why is the Pergamon Altar important?

King Attalus I defeated the invading Gauls in 238 BCE, making Pergamon a major political power. Later, under the rule of Eumenes II (197 – c. 160 BCE), the monumental altar dedicated to Zeus was built to proclaim the victory of civilization over the barbarians.

What does the Altar of Zeus represent?

The Altar of Zeus, also called ‘Pergamonaltar’ is a monumental structure built-in memory of the victory of the Pergamon Kingdom against the Galatians. The Altar of Pergamon referred to as the Throne of Satan in a short narrative in the Revelation Section of the Book of St. John, is a very impressive structure.

What important scene does the Altar of Zeus at Pergamon depict?

A high raised base set atop five steps, over another tall base and with projecting cornices, it is decorated in high relief with scenes depicting the Gigantomachy, the mythological battle between the gods and the giants, the symbol of the victory of the Attalid kings over the Galatians, the victory of civilization over …

What is the subject matter that is depicted on the Pergamon Altar?

Accurately describes the subject matter of the battle that is depicted in the Great Altar at Pergamon. The gods are shown waging war against other powerful beings. Athena is shown triumphing over a winged figure, pulling his head by his curls and raising him from the ground.

What is the Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon?

The Pergamon Museum of Berlin recreated the Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon very realistically (lots of artistic effort by the Museum.) In ancient Pergamon, the altar would’ve been surrounded by a library of 200,000+ scrolls, a royal palace for the king, and a garrison for soldiers.

Where is the Altar of Zeus today?

Pergamon Museum
Athena Nicephorus; and the great altar of Zeus with its richly decorated frieze, a masterpiece of Hellenistic art. A part of the altar and its surviving reliefs, restored and mounted, now stands in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

Where is the altar of Pergamon?

The Pergamon Altar was built about 150 BC on the acropolis or the high point of the ancient Greek city of Pergamon in Asia Minor. This colossal Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, near modern-day Izmir, Turkey, is a monumental work of Greek Hellenistic art.

Who was the great altar at Pergamon dedicated?

Eumenes II (reigned 197–158) dedicated it, perhaps to Zeus and Athena Nikephoros or to all of the gods, probably as a victory monument and thank offering for good fortune; it was also a benefaction to his subjects.

Where was the great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon originally?

The battle between the gods and giants The Altar once stood in a sacred precinct on the acropolis of the ancient city of Pergamon (on the west coast of modern-day Turkey), which was ruled by the Attalid dynasty from 282–133 B.C.E.

When was the Great Altar of Zeus and Athena built?

The Pergamon Altar, c. 200-150 B.C.E., 35.64 x 33.4 meters, Hellenistic Period (Pergamon Museum, Berlin).

What is the meaning of Pergamon?

Pergamon or Pergamum (/ˈpɜːrɡəmən/ or /ˈpɜːrɡəmɒn/; Ancient Greek: Πέργαμον), also referred to by its modern Greek form Pergamos (Greek: Πέργαμος), was a rich and powerful ancient Greek city in Mysia. Pergamon was the northernmost of the seven churches of Asia cited in the New Testament Book of Revelation.

Where is the altar of Zeus today?

What is the purpose of the Pergamon Altar?

The altar was dedicated to the goddess Athena and all other gods, as well as Zeus. This structure that dazzles with its design, craftsmanship, architecture, sculptures, and appearance built during the reign of King Eumenes II in the first half of the 2nd century BC on one of the terraces of the Pergamon Acropolis.

Who built the altar of Zeus in Greece?

Greek sculpture, the colossal Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, near Izmir (Turkey), is a monumental work of Greek artbuilt by King Eumenes II of the Attalid dynasty, from about 166 to 156 BCE. The altar is adorned with a 370-foot long marble frieze which depicts

What is the altar of Zeus in Revelation?

The Altar of Zeus, also called ‘Pergamonaltar’ is a monumental structure built-in memory of the victory of the Pergamon Kingdom against the Galatians. The Altar of Pergamon, referred to as the Throne of Satan in a short narrative in the Revelation Section of the Book of St. John, is a very impressive structure.

What is the purpose of the temple of Zeus?

The temple, a very impressive piece of work with its architectural style, was dedicated to the God Zeus in commemoration of the victory of Attalos II against the Galatians during the Period of Eumenes II (197 – 159 BC). The altar was dedicated to the goddess Athena and all other gods, as well as Zeus.