Throughout history, monumental structures symbolizing the power of gods have been constructed. However, the Altar of Zeus in Pergamon is not merely a monumental structure but a true manifesto of power and grandeur. The identity of the Pergamon king who commissioned the altar, the date of its completion, and to whom it was dedicated remain topics of debate. However, it is thought that the altar was built in the 3rd century BCE to immortalize the victories of the Pergamon kings over the Celts (Galatians) and to offer gratitude to the gods who protected the city. It is believed to have been constructed between the reigns of Eumenes II and Attalos II, likely in the 2nd century BCE.
Although there is no definitive evidence that the altar was dedicated to Zeus and Athena, it is widely accepted that it is associated with these deities. The Altar of Zeus, also known as the Great Altar or the Pergamon Altar, is referred to in one of the early Christian texts, the Book of Revelation by St. John, as the “throne of Satan.” John mentions that the “throne of Satan” was located in Pergamon, one of the seven Christian communities in Anatolia (Revelation 2:13–16). This characterization may have been inspired by the altar’s majestic throne-like appearance when viewed from afar, and the dramatic depictions of the ultimate battle between gods and giants carved on the altar’s friezes. From this perspective, the identification of the Altar of Zeus with Satan offers a fascinating nuance within the monotheistic belief systems of the time.
Made of marble, the altar rises on a large platform, with a grand staircase leading to its center. The columns surrounding the upper section of the altar form an elegant colonnade, giving it a majestic appearance. The exterior facade of the structure is adorned with high-relief sculptures depicting the mythological battle of the Gigantomachy between gods and giants.
The interior friezes depict the mythological story of Telephos, the founder of the Pergamon Kingdom, and immortalize his short yet impactful life through art. The reliefs of the altar bear the signature of the Pergamon school’s master artists, renowned for their dramatic expressions and dynamic compositions. This intricate craftsmanship presents mythological scenes to the viewer with striking realism.
The Pergamon Altar of Zeus, with its architectural details and artistic craftsmanship, is one of the most valuable cultural heritages of the ancient world. The most significant parts of the altar were discovered during excavations initiated by German engineer Carl Humann and were transported to Germany. Today, these sections are displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, while only the foundations of the altar remain in the ancient city of Pergamon.