Torso of Apollo

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This torso of Apollo originates from the east side of the large frieze at the Great Altar of Zeus located on the eastern slope of a mountain. The massive structure, built by King Eumenes II of Pergamene descent, rises high above its surroundings as a colossal stape-shaped colonnaded monument perched atop a grand stepped podium. A 113-meter-long frieze, meticulously crafted to depict the epic battles between Gods and Giants, adorns this magnificent altar. Undoubtedly, King Eumenes II intended for this masterpiece to commemorate his resounding triumphs in Asia Minor and the eastern Aegean. Unfortunately, the first century AD saw severe damage inflicted upon the Altar, with another blow coming in the tenth century. The sheer scale of the frieze, combined with its dynamic figures and composition, solidifies its status as a hallmark of Hellenistic art. The reliefs are so intricately carved that they almost appear freestanding. Today, remnants of the sculptures are proudly displayed within a reconstruction of the altar at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.