Altars were common in Greek history, often they were raised structures that sacrifice and religious rites took place.  Greek altars, usually perched in open air, often had burnt offerings, as this was the dominant act of worship. These events continued to flourish as Greek culture grew and advanced.<!--more-->

During the 4th century BC and into the 3rd century BC, Alexander the Great began to expand his empire east toward Persia, Central Asia, and Egypt. This movement sparked a change in Greek architecture from the traditional Classical style to a more Hellenistic style.  This change of architectural style is prevalent in the city of Pergamon, which was located in northwest Asia Minor (now Turkey).  At the highest point of the city of Pergamon stood the “Altar of Zeus” also known as “The Great Altar.”

The Altar of Zeus is a spectacular display of the Hellenistic style. Leading up to the main entrance of the Altar is a staircase that is 68 feet wide and 30 feet in depth. The Altar stood as a single-story structure with an open Ionic screen, with walls of Ionic colonnades that depicted Gigantomachy (battles between Olympic Gods and Giants). The colonnades, or panels, were 7 ½ feet tall at the ends. Many believe that the battling gods and giants on the friezes act as a metaphor that represents Pergamon’s victory over the barbaric tribal Gaul’s, showing the dominance of civilization over barbarians.

Classical architecture traditionally built solid walls unlike the more decorative thinner slab-like walls used to build the Great Altar. This approach to architecture may have differed due to the lack of marble and the greater abundance of andesite. This made it more economical to the city of Pergamon because it lowered the need to import marble. The more noticeable difference between the old Classical architecture to that of Hellenistic is the uncanny theatrical presence of the life-like relief sculptures that protrude from the friezes. Many believe this to be the archetype of the Hellenistic style.

In my opinion this transition from the classical architecture to the Hellenistic style is important, showing how influences can change our perception and the way people work together to create an object that can be shared for all.  It also is a benchmark in the movement of Greek’s influence throughout Asia.

Works Cited

Chavalas, Mark W., and Mark S. Aldenderfer. Great Events from History. Vol. 2. Pasadena, CA: Salem, 2004. Print.

Ching, Frank, Mark Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash. A Global History of Architecture. Hoboken, NJ: J. Wiley &amp; Sons, 2007. Print.

Kuhl, Isabel, Klaus Reichold, Kristina Lowis, and Christiane Weidemann. 50 Sculptures You Should Know. New York, NY: Prestel Pub., 2009. Print.

Stokstad, Marilyn, Marion Spears. Grayson, and Stephen Addiss. Art History. New York: H.N. Abrams, 1995. Print.

Turner, Jane. The Dictionary of Art. New York: Grove, 1996. Print.