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The Form of the Pergamon Altar: Reflecting Its Commemorative & Funerary Function
Weatherford, McKinley R.
Weatherford, McKinley R.
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Abstract
Since the acquisition and display of the Great Altar at Pergamon in the Berlin State Museums in the 1870s, most academic writings have stated the function of the structure to be political and/or religious. These theories are due to its exterior Gigantomachy frieze and its sacrificial altar in the interior courtyard, respectively. However, this conclusion overlooks two significant contributors to the overall design of the structure and thus, to its function. These contributors include the cultural complexity of Western Anatolia at the time and the presence of the lesser Telephos frieze within the raised interior courtyard. This thesis aims to remedy this oversight by building on analyses of and comparisons with at least three structures - the Nereid Monument from Xanthos, the Stoa of Zeus at Athens, and the Attalids' Palace V in Pergamon. A comparison against these structures, though separate in both space and time, allows for a reinterpretation of the Great Altar as a heroön-mausoleum - a monument that commemorated the mythical founder and first king of Pergamon, Telephos. This needed reassessment of the structure's function seeks to encourage a broader view of ancient cultural complexity and fluidity, and the impact this then has how we view ancient monuments.
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Thesis (B.A. in Art History, Minor in Classical Studies and Philosophy)--John Cabot University, Spring 2021.
Date
2021
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Keywords
Pergamum Altar of Zeus (Sculpture), Pergamene sculpture
Citation
Weatherford, McKinley R. "The Form of the Pergamon Altar: Reflecting Its Commemorative & Funerary Function". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2021.