The Temple of Trajan in Pergamon was dedicated to Trajan (98–117 CE), the second of the five best emperors of the Roman Empire. A typical example of Roman temple architecture, the structure was built in the upper city of Pergamon, right next to the Athena Sacred Area and at the highest point above the ancient theater. The choice of this location for the temple was based on strategic and political reasons. The Roman Empire selected religious and political structures with a highly strategic perspective, reflecting Rome’s desire to surpass its predecessors and demonstrate its power.
The temple is situated at the very center of the sacred area and is surrounded by colonnaded galleries (stoas). Its spacious courtyard adds depth to the sacred area, allowing worshippers to perceive the temple’s grandeur more clearly.
The Temple of Trajan represents the tradition, widespread in Rome, of deifying emperors after their deaths and worshipping them among the people. At the same time, this practice demonstrates the significant transformation in local religious beliefs and rituals following Roman rule. In this context, the Temple of Trajan can be considered the most prominent symbol of Roman rule in Pergamon.
The Temple of Trajan and its colonnaded galleries (stoas) were uncovered in excavations conducted in the late 19th century by German architect Hermann Stiller. Following World War II, excavations in the Pergamon region resumed, focusing on making the site more visible and enhancing its exhibition. From the late 1960s, plans were made to reconstruct the Temple of Trajan and its colonnaded galleries. Based on the findings from Stiller’s excavations, restoration efforts were undertaken, allowing parts of the temple and its galleries to be rebuilt.