The Red Courtyard was built in the 2nd century CE during the Roman Empire period in the lower city of the ancient city of Pergamon. This monumental structure, dating to the reign of Emperor Hadrian, derives its name from the red bricks used in its construction.
The Red Courtyard, approximately 266 meters in length, is one of the remarkable examples of Roman architecture with its large brick-built enclosed area, spacious central courtyard, side courtyards, colonnaded galleries, and water pools. Additionally, it possesses a unique identity thanks to its architectural details associated with Egyptian culture. One of the most striking features of the structure is that it was built over the Selinos River (Bergama Stream / Bergama Çayı) bed and includes two tunnel systems designed to regulate the water flow. In Roman architecture, stone was generally preferred as a construction material. However, in the Red Courtyard, brick was used as the primary material. With its building material and advanced infrastructure, the Red Courtyard is a unique example of its time, both functionally and aesthetically.
Multicultural and unifying policies were at the forefront, during the Roman Empire, especially in Hadrian’s era. Reflecting the spirit of this period, the Red Courtyard served as a multicultural sacred area dedicated to Egyptian, Greek, and Eastern gods, as well as hosting the imperial cult. This structure, which brought together multiple faiths and cultures, is a tangible representation of Rome’s embrace of religious and cultural diversity.
The creation of shared worship spaces for different gods and cults became a widespread practice during Hadrian’s reign. In this context, the Red Courtyard provides a window into understanding the unifying power of polytheistic religions and the reflections of imperial policies, shedding light on history.