Alexander the Great > Hellenistic Structures

Hellenistic Structures

The Hellenistic period, spanning from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE to the establishment of the Roman Empire in 31 BCE, saw the construction of many remarkable structures that showcased the architectural and artistic achievements of the era. Here are some of the major Hellenistic structures:

1. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos of Alexandria):

   • Located on the small island of Pharos, near Alexandria, Egypt.
   • Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
   • Built during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (c. 280 BCE).
   • Served as a prototype for lighthouses and was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world.

2. The Library of Alexandria:

   • Also located in Alexandria, Egypt.
   • One of the most famous libraries of the ancient world, founded in the 3rd century BCE.
   • Part of the larger research institution called the Museum (Mouseion).

3. The Colossus of Rhodes:

   • A giant statue of the sun god Helios, located on the island of Rhodes.
   • Built to celebrate Rhodes' victory over Cyprus in 305 BCE.
   • Another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
   • Approximately 33 meters (108 feet) high, it stood at the entrance of the harbor until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BCE.

4. The Great Altar of Pergamon:

   • Located in the ancient city of Pergamon (modern-day Bergama, Turkey).
   • Constructed in the first half of the 2nd century BCE during the reign of King Eumenes II.
   • Famous for its frieze depicting the Gigantomachy (battle between the gods and giants).

5. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus:

   • Although originally constructed in the 6th century BCE, it was rebuilt during the Hellenistic period after being destroyed by fire in 356 BCE.
   • Located in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).
   • Another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

6. The Theater of Epidaurus:

   • Located in Epidaurus, Greece.
   • Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and symmetry.
   • Built in the 4th century BCE, it was used during the Hellenistic period for theatrical performances and is still in use today.

7. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus:

   • Located in Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey).
   • Tomb of Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia, built around 350 BCE.
   • Another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, known for its architectural grandeur and sculptural decoration.

8. The Stoa of Attalos:

   • Located in the Agora of Athens, Greece.
   • Built by King Attalos II of Pergamon (159–138 BCE) as a gift to the city of Athens.
   • Functioned as a covered walkway or portico, showcasing typical Hellenistic architectural features.

9. The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion) in Athens:

   • Construction began in the 6th century BCE, but it was completed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century CE.
   • One of the largest temples in Greece, showcasing both Hellenistic and Roman architectural influences.

10. The Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, Cyprus:

    • A large necropolis located near Paphos.
    • Dating back to the 4th century BCE, these tombs are carved out of solid rock and reflect Hellenistic architectural styles.

These structures reflect the grandeur and innovation of Hellenistic architecture, combining elements of Greek, Persian, and Egyptian influences, and demonstrating advancements in engineering and artistic expression.