Pergamon gymnasium

The Pergamon gymnasium was an ancient gymnasium of Pergamon, in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey. Its ruins are part of the UNESCO World Heritage of Pergamon and its multi‑layered cultural landscape.

History

The Pergamon gymnasium was built during the Hellenistic period by King Eumenes II after the year 197 BC. It was rebuilt during the Roman imperial period. It was normally used for the education of young people. The building was one of the largest public buildings of the city and one of the largest gymnasia of the ancient world.

The gymnasium was situated on the southern slope of the agora of Pergamon, and was built on three terraces. On its western side was the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone and on its northern side the Heroon. The entrance to the gymnasium facilities was made from the eastern side of the main street of the city to the middle and upper levels of the complex through the propylea.

Description

In the eastern part of the central area there was a small Corinthian‑style temple dedicated to Heracles. On the northern side of the central area, on the upper level, there was a two‑storey Doric‑style stoa. On the southern side of the esplanade there was a small lower terrace.

On the upper terrace there was a palestra with two‑storey colonnades on the west, north and east sides, originally in Doric style and later in Ionic style. Thus, the three classical orders were used. Behind the columns on the north side were the odeon, the ephebeion and the hall dedicated to the imperial cult. On the west side of the palestra there was a prostyle temple in Ionic style, which is thought to have been dedicated to Asclepius, and a building of baths. On the east side of the palestra there were other baths. On the south side there was an underground covered stadium (ksystos) for training by running.

In the area numerous fragments of sculptures have been found. Among them, remains of statues of Atalo II and Heracles.