bbc.com
Daily Life in Ancient Pergamon: A City of Contrasts
In ancient Pergamon, located in modern-day Bergama, Turkey, life varied drastically based on social class, with wealthy citizens enjoying opulent villas and the commoners engaging in agriculture and trades; the city was renowned for its library, medical center, and significant artistic contributions, most notably its Altar of Zeus, currently located in Berlin's Pergamon Museum.
- What were the primary economic activities and social structures that defined daily life in ancient Pergamon?
- Life in Pergamon, an ancient city in modern-day Turkey, varied greatly depending on social class. The wealthy lived in luxurious villas with mosaic courtyards, while the common people lived in simpler homes and worked in crafts, trade, or agriculture. Both classes, however, shared public spaces like theaters, temples, and the agora.
- How did the political changes, particularly under Roman rule, impact the city's architecture and religious practices?
- Pergamon's economy thrived on a mix of agriculture, trade, and skilled crafts. Its political structure, initially a kingdom, later fell under Roman rule, reflected in the architecture, such as the Temple of Trajan. Religious life was vibrant, encompassing both Greek and Egyptian deities, as shown by the Red Courtyard.
- What long-term effects did Pergamon's contributions to medicine and learning have on the subsequent development of these fields, considering that artifacts are now largely in Berlin?
- Pergamon's legacy is deeply intertwined with its significant contributions to science, medicine, and culture. The city's renowned library and Asklepieion, a medical center using innovative treatments, attracted scholars and patients. The systematic excavations, beginning in the late 19th century, continue to reveal its rich past, even as significant artifacts like the Altar of Zeus are housed in museums abroad.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Pergamon primarily through the lens of its grand architecture, impressive rulers, and elite lifestyle. While this is informative, it might lead readers to overemphasize the opulent side of life in Pergamon and neglect the broader social and economic realities. The focus on the "rich and upper social class" in the introduction sets this tone.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases like "shtafatlı yiyecekler" (lavish foods) in the original text, which translates to "lavish foods", could subtly bias the reader towards focusing on the opulence of the upper class, without properly considering other social classes. More neutral phrasing could strengthen the objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the life of the wealthy elite in Pergamon, neglecting the experiences of the common people. While it mentions that lower classes engaged in crafts, trade, and agriculture, there is little detail on their daily lives, social structures, or challenges. The omission of these perspectives creates an incomplete picture of life in ancient Pergamon.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between the lives of the wealthy and the lower classes in Pergamon. While there were clear social distinctions, the reality was likely more nuanced with a wider range of social strata and experiences than the article portrays.
Gender Bias
The article notes that women in Pergamon primarily engaged in domestic tasks, weaving, and minor crafts, while men dominated trade, politics, and military activities. While this reflects historical realities to some degree, the article could benefit from a more nuanced analysis of women's roles, exploring potential exceptions or complexities, and considering whether the limited scope was due to source limitations or a lack of attention to that aspect of Pergamum's history.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights Pergamon's renowned library, containing 200,000 scrolls, showcasing the city's commitment to knowledge and learning, directly impacting the availability of quality education in its time. The description of educational and sporting areas like the gymnasium further supports this.