Conservation projects in Pergamon. Building Z and the shelter constructed above it

Abstract

The reconstruction and conservation of buildings in Pergamon has been an important aim of the excavations of the German Archaeological Institute Istanbul over the last twenty years. The paper discusses the structure known as Building Z situated about halfway up the slope to the acropolis of Pergamon on a rise between the terrace of the Sanctuary of Demeter and the precinct of the Temple of Hera. Although the southern fringes of this Hellenistic building were discovered in 1909, digging here was soon abandoned due to the very poor preservation of the walls. In 1990, a trench of the 'City Excavations' revealed the northern part of the building. The well-preserved Roman mosaic pavements and other remains found here — eventually exposing the best preserved examples of interior decoration yet discovered in the ancient city of Pergamon — prompted the construction of a shelter open to visitors. The construction of this shelter began in 1996 and was completed in 2004. The roofed area covers only the northern part of the former ancient building. The modern roof construction, on steel-trussed girders above the walls, has been deliberately designed as an independent unit.