Pergamon – Die Arbeiten in der Kampagne 2022

Abstract

The 2022 campaign focused on activities in Pergamon and the surrounding area as part of the research program »The Transformation of the Pergamon Micro-Region between Hellenism and Roman Imperial Period« (TransPergMikro). The remoddeling of the Hellenistic gymnasium of Pergamon into a thermal gymnasium was investigated by the ›Bauforschung‹ team. Research into the Temple of Dionysus and the House of Attalus also focused on questions of transformation. Excavations in a peristyle building with mosaics east of the Red Hall and the documentation of an emergency excavation in an industrial quarter on the north bank of the Selinus (Bergama Çayı) yielded the first coherent findings of late antique domestic and commercial buildings in the lower city of Pergamon. This also opened a new chapter in the settlement history of the city, for up until now the Late Antiquity was previously regarded as a ›dark age‹. For the first time, it was possible to extend the micro-regional survey to the east of the city hill of Pergamon. In the valley of Ketios (Kestel Çayı) and its surroundings, an astonishingly dense rural settlement was discovered as well as rock sanctuaries, necropolises and two extensive quarries that are essential for our understanding of resource extraction. The same applies to the joint research of archaeology and physical geography on clay extraction areas and pottery production. Another focus of geoarchaeological research was on the geomorphodynamics in the area of the alluvial fan of Bergama Çayı and Kestel Çayı. In addition to numerous studies relating to material culture, the preservation of historical monuments was another pillar of this year’s activities. The focus was again on conservation, presentation of the ruins and training of labour force. The Martin Bachmann Workshop now provides a permanent location for the latter.