2020 IB Extended Essays

10

could overcome chaos - this battle is a metaphor for the victory of Greek culture over the

unknown (Dr Steven Zucker, 2012). The crucial role that this piece played in ancient

was to support the glorification of the deities, specifically Zeus and Athena. The Altar was

created to highlight the power and achievement of the Gods and Goddesses, and how

they remain supreme over the Titans. This is done by the depiction of their triumphs in

friezes lining the altar, where elements of symbolism and detail contribute to the main

narrative of the piece.

Fragment of Zeus at ‘The Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon’ by Eumenes II (197-

159BCE)

Figure 8: Zeus’s fragment of frieze along ‘The Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon’ by Eumenes II (197-159 BCE). Reconstructed, Berlin Collection of Classical Antiquities.

Within this fragment of the frieze, Zeus is centred (headless) and bracketed by three

giants. Although headless, we are able to determine – based on the movement and

geometric body composition, that Zeus is depicted as the clear victor in the fight, seeming

composed. While taking on three titans, Zeus uses his emblem of an eagle (top right of

frieze) to assist him in distracting the titan at his far left, while he turns his attention to