The Pergamon Altar, a renowned monument of antiquity, has its facade and over a hundred original marble reliefs recreated in Berlin, Germany. These reliefs, transported from Anatolia, Turkey, form a 400-foot frieze, making it a significant piece of Greek sculpture in the world. The altar's journey from its original home to its current location in Berlin is a fascinating tale of archaeological discovery and the shifting tides of cultural possession.
Commissioned by the Atta lead Kings in around 180 BC, the altar and its frieze commemorate their military victories. The frieze, depicting the mythological war between the Giants and the gods of Olympus, is a unique propaganda machine for Greek civilization. The altar's construction was a monumental feat, with the frieze's detailed depictions of the gods and Giants serving as a testament to the sculptors' skill and the Atta lead Kings' power.
The modern town of Pergamon, known as Bergama, is a testament to the region's rich history. The town, under the influence of the the Atta lead Kings, became the center of an ambitious building program in antiquity. The great altar of Zeus, a key feature of the town, is a monumental temple that once served as a sacrificial area. Today, Bergama is a living museum, with its ancient ruins and modern life intertwined, and the absence of the Pergamon Altar is keenly felt.
The frieze's final destination was Museum Island in Berlin, a grandiose collection of galleries and museums. The arrival of the Pergamon Altar in Berlin was a significant event, celebrated with a fancy dress party and the construction of a huge plaster model of the altar. The altar's presence in Berlin has sparked debates about cultural heritage and the ethics of archaeological practices, with the altar's frieze serving as a centerpiece in these discussions.
In recent years, the Pergamon Altar has been the subject of modern claims and disputes. The mayor of Bergama has been vocal in his demands for the return of the altar to its original site. These claims are being investigated by a new Turkish government commission, which will determine the legality of the altar's removal from Pergamon. The dispute over the Pergamon Altar is a microcosm of the larger issues of cultural repatriation and the legacies of historical archaeology.