Hellenistic art, not to mention architecture, was a period of dramatic transformations that greatly distanced it from the Greek classical period. Although classical Greek concepts were not entirely abandoned, the Hellenistic period expanded formal horizons with dramatic poses, broad lines and high contrast of light, shadow and emotion, something very different ideas from classical artists. The conventions and rules of the Classical period gave way to experimentation and a sense of freedom that allowed artists of the Hellenistic period to explore their subjects from unique perspectives that they had not previously had. not explored before. The Altar of Zeus in Pergamon is the perfect representation of the Hellenistic period. Pergamon contained the altar of Zeus in the same way that the Athenian Acropolis contained the Parthenon and is considered by Greek art historian Gisela Richter to be "the most famous altar of the Hellenistic era" (Manual 32 ). The Pergamon Altar constitutes an ideal example of 2nd century Greek culture, linked to the ideals of the people, and exhibits Hellenistic characteristics that define the era, just as the Parthenon is a staple of the Classical period. [Stokstad]The Altar of Zeus is currently on display in Berlin, Germany for all to see and it is assumed that the temple was dedicated to Zeus or that its purpose, apart from being a tribute to Zeus/the gods, was most used to celebrate the people of Pergamene against all those who opposed them. As Richter explains: "The altar in an open enclosure preceded the temple as a place of worship and later remained an essential adjunct to the temple, being placed either inside or more commonly outside , facing the entrance. In general it was... middle of paper ... the Athenian Parthenon, in some ways its powerful imagery led it to be recognized as one of the most marvelous examples of art and Hellenistic architecture. Works Cited Cothren, Michael W. “Ancient Near Eastern Art.” History of art Ancient art. By Marilyn Stokstad. Fourth ed. Print.Onians, John. Art and thought in the Hellenistic period: the Greek worldview 350-50 BC London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd., 1979.Richter, Gisela MA A textbook of Greek art. London: Phaidon Press, 1967.---Greek sculpture and sculptors. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1930. Sakoulas, Thomas. “The Parthenon Frieze.” Ancient Greece. Internet. November 28, 2011. .Sakoulas, Thomas. "The Parthenon". Ancient Greece. Internet. November 28. 2011. .