Editing Pergamon (section)

====Gymnasium====
[[File:Pergamon_Gymnasium_area_086.jpg|thumb|left|Gymnasium area near Upper Terrace]]

A large [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)|gymnasium]] area was built in the 2nd century BC on the south side of the Acropolis. It consisted of three terraces, with the main entrance at the southeast corner of the lowest terrace. The lowest and southernmost terrace is small and almost free of buildings. It is known as the Lower Gymnasium and has been identified as the boys' gymnasium.<ref>On the Lower Terrace: ''Altertümer von Pergamon''. VI, pp. 5–6, 19–27.</ref> The middle terrace was around 250 metres long and 70 metres wide at the centre. On its north side there was a two-story hall. In the east part of the terrace there was a small [[prostyle]] temple in the [[Corinthian order]].<ref>''Altertümer von Pergamon''. VI, pp. 40–43.</ref> A roofed [[stadium]], known as the Basement Stadium is located between the middle terrace and the upper terrace.<ref>On the Middle gymnasium: ''Altertümer von Pergamon''. VI, pp. 5, 28–43.</ref>

The upper terrace measured 150 x 70 metres square, making it the largest of the three terraces. It consisted of a courtyard surrounded by stoas and other structures, measuring roughly 36 x 74 metres. This complex is identified as a [[palaestra]] and had a theatre-shaped lecture hall beyond the northern stoa, which is probably of Roman date and a large banquet hall in the centre. Further rooms of uncertain function were accessible from the stoas. In the west was a south-facing [[Ionic order|Ionic]] [[antae temple]], the central sanctuary of the gymnasium. The eastern area was replaced with a [[Roman bath|bath complex]] in Roman times. Further Roman baths were constructed to the west of the Ionic temple.<ref>On the upper terrace: ''Altertümer von Pergamon''. VI, pp. 4, 43–79.</ref>