Located in western ancient Anatolia, near modern Bergama, Pergamum became a major political and cultural center during the Hellenistic Period as the capital of the Attalid Kingdom. Renowned for its library, the healing center Asklepieion, and magnificent structures, the city maintained its importance during the Roman Empire and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

History

While the earliest traces of settlement at Pergamum date back to the 8th century BCE, the first definitive mention of the city appears in Xenophon's "Anabasis" in the early 4th century BCE. During the Hellenistic Period, it played a significant role in the turmoil of the Diadochi era following the death of Alexander the Great. The storage of the treasury of Lysimachus, one of Alexander's generals, here increased the city's strategic importance. Following Lysimachus's death in 282 BCE, Philetaerus, the guardian of the treasury, established the foundations of the Attalid Dynasty by asserting independent rule over Pergamum. During the Attalid period, particularly under Eumenes II (197-159 BCE), the city experienced its golden age, becoming the capital of an extensive kingdom and demonstrating significant development in architecture, art, and science. With the will of the last Attalid king, Attalus III, bequeathing his kingdom to Rome in 133 BCE, Pergamum became the first capital of the Roman province of Asia. Under Roman rule, it continued to be one of the leading cities of the province, maintaining its cultural and religious significance. During the Christian era, it became a religious center as one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the Bible.

Geographic Location

Pergamum is located in Western Anatolia, within the borders of the Bergama district of modern İzmir province. The city was built on a strategic hill dominating the fertile delta of the Caicus (Bakırçay) River. The elevated position of the Acropolis allowed for control over the surrounding plain and trade routes coming from the sea. Located approximately 26 kilometers from the Aegean Sea, Pergamum gained access to maritime trade through its port city, Elaia (Zeytindağ). This geographic location offered the city both a defensive advantage and the benefit of being a center on rich agricultural lands and trade routes. Important neighboring settlements included cities such as Thyatira (Akhisar), Kyme, and Myrina.

Significance in Antiquity

Pergamum held multifaceted significance in the ancient world. Politically, it was the capital of the Attalid Kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms of the Hellenistic Period, and served as the first administrative center of the Roman province of Asia. Economically, it prospered through agricultural products from the fertile lands of the Caicus Plain and flourishing trade due to its proximity to the Aegean Sea. It is particularly renowned as the place where parchment (Pergamena) was invented, which demonstrates the city's cultural and economic power. Culturally and intellectually, it rivaled Alexandria by hosting one of the largest libraries of its time. The healing center known as the Asklepieion, which produced important figures in medicine like Galen, was also a significant stop for medical tourism. Religiously, it was one of the important centers of pagan belief with the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Athena, and temples dedicated to the Imperial cult. During the Christian era, it maintained its religious importance as one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Coinage

Pergamum is an ancient mint represented in the NumisTR database by 721 coin varieties. The recorded coins were struck in bronze, silver, gold and nan. Authorities named on the coins include Augustus, Attalus I, Philetaerus and Eumenes I. You can browse the city's coins in the Mysia coins list.

Archaeological Remains

Pergamum possesses rich archaeological remains that continue to convey its ancient splendor to visitors today. One of the city's most impressive structures is the Ancient Theater, built into the hillside and notable for its magnificent views. Immediately above the theater, the remains of the Temple of Athena, dedicated to the city's patron goddess, and the foundations of the famous Library of Pergamum can be seen. At the highest point of the Acropolis stands the Temple of Trajan, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Trajan. While a large part of the world-renowned Altar of Zeus is exhibited today in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, the altar's foundations can be seen on site. Located below the city, the Asklepieion was one of the most important health and healing centers of the ancient world, and today it welcomes visitors with the remains of its sacred way, theater, library, and various treatment buildings. Additionally, other significant visible remains include the Roman-era Red Basilica (Temple of Serapis, later a church), gymnasia, agoras, and aqueducts.

Today

The ancient city of Pergamum is located within the borders of the Bergama district of modern İzmir province. Today, this area, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name "Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape," is a significant attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists. Access to the ancient city from the town center can be made by dolmuş (shared taxis) or regular taxis; ascent to the acropolis is possible via a cable car. With its rich history and impressive remains, Pergamum is an important cultural destination that carries the spirit of antiquity into the present day.