One of the most important museums in Germany, which vast collection is comparable to the ones of Louvre or British Museum is Pergamonmuseum situated on the famous Island of Museums in Berlin.
Pergamon Altar
19th century witnessed the growing fashion of ‘earth diggers’, who travelled around the sites of ancient civilization trying to find and preserve the artifacts from the past. To balance the late start in the new competitions Germany deliberately wanted their new museums to overcome the existing ones in Great Britain or France. Created between 1909 and 1930 the building of Pergamonmuseum hosts the biggest collection, even if not in the numbers of the items gathered, than definitely is the largest in physical size – only the display room of Altar of Zeus is mere 16 m high.
And this is the unique experience connected with visiting this museum. There are several pieces of the buildings thoroughly reconstructed and put together in one piece to look exactly like in the past.
Standing in front of the life size Isthar gate to Babylon or portal to Milet market one can really travel back into the Ancient World.
The collection covers all main ancient cultures, Middle East is reppresented by Assirian, Persian and Egiptian art. Mediterranean world include artifacts of Greek and Roman civilisations.
The spectacular life size reconstructions include :
The Pergamum Altar
The altar dedicated to Zeus and Athene has been founded by the Attalid kings, who wanted the Syrian town of Pergamum to became the new Athens in Asia Minor.
The fieze decorating the base is 120 m long and 2,30 m high, and depicts the battle of Olympian gods against the Giants, sons of Gaia. The victory of Olympus is tied to the strength and victory of kingdom of Pergamum over the neighbours.
The Gate of Ishtar
One of the entry gates from Babylon enlarged by the part of Processional Way leading to the town.
Gateway to Milet market
Built in AD 120 was one of the core buildings of the Roman town’s market.
Facade of Mschatta
the nicest example of Middle East art in the museum – the facade of caliph’s palace from Jordan.
Please, prepare to spare at least 3 hours to visit the museum.
[photo courtesy of freakyman]