The Acropolis of Bergama, surrounded by walls built in the 5th-4th centuries BCE, was strategically positioned to protect the city of Pergamon. During the city’s establishment, the topography of the settlement area was carefully considered, and the rugged terrain was leveled with terraces. The walls were constructed atop the Acropolis, which rises 275 meters high, encircling it with two distinct fortifications built by the Attalid kings of Pergamon. This strategic settlement not only served as a means of protection for the city but also carried significant aesthetic value, reflecting the sophistication of its builders.
Use of Stone and Wall Construction
The construction of the city walls utilized gray-blue andesite stone extracted from the mountains around Bergama, known for its ease of processing and durability. These stones were precisely carved and assembled without mortar, relying solely on the weight of the stones themselves to interlock. Iron dowels were used to bind the stone blocks together, enhancing the wall’s strength and longevity. Initially built during the Attalid period, the walls were expanded during the reign of King Eumenes II as the city extended southward. By the Roman period, the walls were further reinforced with rubble stone and brick, completing the fortifications from the Hellenistic era.
A Fortress and Defense Structure
The Acropolis, with its imposing walls, also functions as a fortress. In addition to its religious structures and other significant buildings, the Acropolis houses weapon storage areas on its northern side, specifically designed for the city’s defense. Due to the impassable nature of the southern part of the Acropolis, long, narrow adjoining storage rooms were constructed. The upper parts of these rooms were made of wood, while the lower portions were built from stone. Excavations in the area revealed andesite stone projectiles, such as those used for catapults, further highlighting the region’s robust defensive capabilities and the extensive use of local stone in the construction of these military features.
Author;
Simay Sevimbige
M.Sc. Interior Architect / PhD Candidate