Final answer:
The Altar of Zeus and Athena in Pergamon, dating to ca. 175 B.C.E., represents the Hellenistic Age's artistic style and was commissioned to commemorate King Eumenes II's victory. It is known for its monumental size, intricate frieze of the Gigantomachy, and significant cultural and political symbolism for the period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Altar of Zeus and Athena
The Altar of Zeus and Athena, dating back to around 175 B.C.E., is located in Pergamon (modern-day Bergama, Turkey). Commissioned by King Eumenes II, this monumental structure was designed on a high platform in a U-shaped Ionic style, and features a frieze that wraps around the base of the altar depicting the Gigantomachy. The altar's construction and decorative program are exemplary of the Hellenistic Age in Greek art, which is characterized by dramatic expression, complex composition, and a heightened sense of emotion and tension—distinct from the restrained and balanced ideals of the earlier High Classical Period.
The altar stood near the theater of Pergamon and offered an imposing view of the surrounding region. It faced east and was accessible through central steps leading to its top. The frieze's depiction of the Gigantomachy, the mythological battle between gods and giants, spanned an impressive 370 feet. The Altar of Zeus and Athena was part of the royal precinct of the city and contributed to Pergamon's reputation as a major cultural and political center of its time.
This altar is not to be confused with the famed Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, nor does it directly relate to the introduction of Christianity or to the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Its grand design and sculptural embellishments reflect the shifting artistic and cultural priorities of the Hellenistic Age, marking a departure from earlier Classical Greek ideals, such as those epitomized by structures like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike.