Egyptian and Greek cultures. In-Depth Analysis of Altar of Zeus

In-Depth Analysis of Altar of Zeus
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In-Depth Analysis of Altar of Zeus
The architecture of ancient Greece holds even in the modern space of structural development. The architecture of ancient Greece defines structures that were developed in the Greek colonies in Asia, the Aegean Islands, and the Greek mainland. The other areas that were dominated by such structures in ancient times included Italy and Sicily. These works were monumental because of their characteristic inclination to the greatest forms of Greek art at the time. Within all the Hellenistic, classical, and archaic art reigns, the Greek builders instituted newer prospects in materials, design, and the general institutionalization of culture into structures. Monumental among such works were the stone temples and altars such as the Altar of Zeus that remain important architectural prospects from the ancient ages. This paper explores multiple aspects of the Altar of Zeus–Pergamon that mark its relevance in today’s architectural space. This analysis is imperative to understanding the unique prospects of ancient Greek architecture on the grounds such as the architectural properties, cultural linkages, purpose, and location both presently and in the ancient times.
The Structure
The Altar of Zeus in Pergamon remains as one of the greatest Hellenistic works bearing its various facets. The Alter was built in about 166 to 156 BCE by King Eumenes II of the Attalid dynasty (Freeman, 2004). The altar was constructed on the terrace of the acropolis overlooking Pergamon, an ancient city. Historians believe that the building was not a temple, but merely an altar built with the motivation to mirror the Doric temple of Athena. The altar was built as a fortification for a city in a high location. The structure celebrated Greek victories from the barbarian invaders from the east and victories over the Celts. It is its manifestation of various victories and duels that the Altar of Zeus has been cited to have marked the onset of a new architectural era. Just before this Altar, the high classical Greek architecture was characterized by serenity and calmness bearing their ability to not exposing any emotions (Rutherford, 2016). The altar defied that culture and instilled both harmony and serenity in design. Among the prospects that this building showcased were strong feelings and wild movements, achieving excitement, and a blurred insight into victory. Arguably, the Hellenistic era was offset by the Altar of Zeus.
Architecture and Design
The architectural design of the Altar of Zeus is marked with the ionic order of ancient Greek architecture. The building was 35 meters wide, 20 meters in breadth, and 33 meters deep (Freeman, 2004). It was accessed through a huge stairway that spun up to 65 feet. The stairway led to the overlook stairs. The building was marked with its widely-spaced pillars in the hall with each pillar rooted in ionic capitals. Numerous types of statues including gargoyles, deities and centaurs, a quadriga of horses, and lion griffins surrounded the roof (Rutherford, 2016). The fire altar was situated at the inner courtyard in front of the pillars. The design did not ignore an insight into historical i...