Temple of Athena (Pergamon)

The Temple of Athena was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Athena and Zeus in Pergamum, Asia Minor, in present-day Turkey. It was part of a large Athenian shrine. The ruins of the temple are located in the acropolis, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its multi-layered cultural landscape.

The history

The temple of Athena with its shrines was built in the Hellenistic period around 200 BC. It was built during the reign of the Atatalids who ruled Pergamum. This makes it the oldest center of worship located high above the acropolis of the city.

Buildings and findings

The sanctuary of Athena was located in the central part of the Pergamum acropolis, on the west side of the north-south main street. On its west side, on the slope of the acropolis, was the Pergamum Theatre. On the northwest side, in Roman times, was the Temple of Trajan.

Temple

It was a peripteral temple with a façade of six columns on the short sides and ten columns on the long sides. The crepidome had two steps and measured approximately 12.7 × 21.8 m.

Inside the temple was a pronaos and a naos, which were divided into two parts. This was because the temple was dedicated not only to Athena but also to Zeus. From the temple a tunnel led to the theater.

Stoa and propyllium

The east and south wings had two floors, the lower floor facade was Doric and the upper floor Ionic, the north aisle was divided into two ships by a row of columns. The columns had palm leaf capitals reminiscent of the windy style.

The southern part of the east entrance was a propileo (monumental gate). It is currently exhibited, partially restored, in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

The library of Pergamum

The Pergamum Library, which was built during the reign of Eumenes II, was located in an annex to the northeast of the sanctuary of Athena. It consisted of a main hall, book stores, a banquet hall and numerous other halls. The library contained a copy of the sculpture of Athena Partenos, which is also in the Pergamum Museum.

Altar of Pergamum

To the south of the shrine was a large Pergamum altar, dedicated to Zeus and Athena.

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The sculptures also included copies of well-known Athenian classical sculptures. The sculptures found in the area are also on display at the Pergamum Museum. The original site is mainly occupied by statue pedestals.