PERGAMON ALTAR

The Pergamon Altar is in the central part of the Pergamonmuseum. It’s an impressive sight, although most of it is a reconstruction: only the large sculpted frieze running along the bottom is entirely original. 

This huge altar once stood on the acropolis of Pergamon, in Turkey, dominating the entire valley below. It was built between 170 and 159 B.C. to give thanks to the gods for the victory over the neighboring Galatians.

The huge central steps are set into a high plinth. The upper part is composed of a portico formed by columns. The most interesting element of the work is the frieze that runs along the base, with a high relief depicting the legendary Gigantomachy, the battle between the Gods and the Giants who tried to climb up to the peak of Mount Olympus, the home of the Greek gods, and who were defeated and put to flight.