After the death of Alexander the
Great, one of
his generals who is called Lysimachus chose Pergamum as the depository for his
wealth. He placed nine thousand talents of gold in Pergamum under the
guardianship of Philetaerus who was his lieutenant. After the death of
Lysimachus, Philetaerus took advantage of this wealth and founded the
independent dynasty of Attalid Kings which later became the centre of
Hellenistic civilization. With the success of the two kings Attalus I and
Eumenes II, Pergamum reached the highest point of its power. However during
those time Rome and the Hellenistic leaders united. After that Pergamum became a
very powerful kingdom by Attalus I including Mysia, Lydia, Caria, Pamphylia
and Phrygia. He not only extended the borders but also decorated the capital
city with architectural splendors. Eumenes II improved the city
culturally. King Attalus III bequeathed the territory to the Romans who made the
city rich in art and culture poor in politics and economy. The city went through
the Arab, Byzantine and finally the Turkish period in the 14C. In Hellenistic
period the ancient city made an intellectual progress with the famous sculpture
school and public buildings and monuments. Also Pergamum played an important
role during the reign of the Romans.
The foundation of acropolis in
Pergamum
depended on social and cultural activities which we can consider it to be the
daily life. Because of this, buildings in Pergamum were designed to be used in
daily life. More than religion socialization was important as a proof even the
temples were one of the meeting places of people where they can join in social
affairs just like other large buildings which were designed for this purpose.
Pergamum had the fame to be the first city who showed reaction to the functional
urbanism of Hippodamus as they preferred ornamental urbanism. Acropolis
buildings were built and designed with the aim of impressing the ones viewing
the city from the valley. All buildings except the Trajan Temple were built in
the reign of the Hellenistic emperors which are mostly made of andesite and
rarely marble.
Heroon in Pergamum was the shrine in which the
kings especially Attalus I and Eumenes II were worshipped.
Eumenes II built the Sanctuary of Athena,
dedicated to victory-bringing, in Pergamum which was entered through a
propylon.
The entrance of the Sanctuary is surrounded by three stoas of the Doric order
which opens to a courtyard. Athena Temple is located at the corner near the
theatre in Doric order as well which was built earlier.
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