Cultures > Kingdom of Pergamon

Kingdom of Pergamon

Background

Kingdom of Pergamon

Overview

Greek Name: Πέργαμον (Pergamon) or Πέργαμος (Pergamos)
Modern Location: Bergama, Turkey
Founded: 283 BC
Decline: Became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC

Historical Context and Formation

Early History: Originally a small fortified town on a hill, Pergamon's significance grew during the Hellenistic period.
Philetaerus: The founding figure of the Attalid dynasty, initially a eunuch in the service of Lysimachus, rebelled around 283 BC and established Pergamon as an independent kingdom.
Attalid Dynasty: Philetaerus' nephew Eumenes I succeeded him, and his descendants ruled Pergamon until it became part of the Roman Empire.

Key Rulers and Achievements

Philetaerus (283–263 BC): Established the kingdom, maintained autonomy through diplomacy.
Eumenes I (263–241 BC): Strengthened the kingdom, defeated Antiochus II.
Attalus I (241–197 BC): Defeated the Gauls, assumed the title of king, expanded the kingdom.
Eumenes II (197–159 BC): Expanded the kingdom to its greatest extent, built monumental structures like the Altar of Zeus.
Attalus II (159–138 BC): Continued building and cultural patronage, maintained alliances with Rome.
Attalus III (138–133 BC): Last king, bequeathed the kingdom to Rome upon his death.

Geography and Urban Development

Location: Situated on a high hill with a broad fertile valley, less than 15 miles from the Caïcus River.
Urbanization: The city included a high acropolis with significant public buildings, a lower city, and residential areas.
Key Structures:
- Altar of Zeus: A monumental altar built under Eumenes II, famous for its high-relief sculptures depicting the Gigantomachy.
- Temple of Athena: A prominent temple on the acropolis.
- Library of Pergamon: Rivaled the Library of Alexandria, containing an extensive collection of scrolls.
- Theatre: One of the steepest and most impressive ancient theaters, situated on the acropolis.

Cultural and Scientific Contributions

Pergamenian School of Sculpture: Known for dramatic and detailed reliefs, exemplified by the Altar of Zeus.
Medicine and Healing: Asclepius' sanctuary attracted patients from all over, seeking cures from the god of medicine.
Intellectual Hub: Hosted scholars, artists, and scientists, contributing to Hellenistic knowledge and culture.

Political and Military History

Alliances with Rome: Pergamon maintained strong alliances with Rome, aiding Roman military campaigns and benefiting from Roman support.
Conflicts and Wars: Participated in wars against the Seleucids and supported Rome in various conflicts, leading to territorial expansions.

Decline and Roman Annexation

Bequest to Rome: Attalus III, the last king, left the kingdom to Rome in his will, leading to its annexation as the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC.
Roman Period: Continued to flourish as a major city in the Roman Empire, known for its cultural and architectural legacy.

LegacyThe Kingdom of Pergamon is remembered for its strategic political alliances, contributions to Hellenistic culture and science, and impressive architectural achievements. Its legacy continued to influence the region even after its incorporation into the Roman Empire.

Attalid Dynasty

This table provides an overview of the major rulers of the Attalid Dynasty, highlighting their lifespans, years of reign, and contributions to the history and development of Pergamon.

Name	Birth Year	Death Year	Years of Reign	Contributions
Philetaerus	343 BC	263 BC	282–263 BC	Founder of the Attalid Dynasty, established Pergamon as an independent power, built the city's first defenses
Eumenes I	340 BC	241 BC	263–241 BC	Expanded the kingdom's territory, strengthened Pergamon's independence
Attalus I Soter	269 BC	197 BC	241–197 BC	Defeated the Galatians, declared himself king, significantly expanded and fortified Pergamon
Eumenes II Soter	220 BC	159 BC	197–159 BC	Greatly expanded the kingdom, allied with Rome, constructed the Great Altar of Pergamon
Attalus II Philadelphus	220 BC	138 BC	159–138 BC	Continued the expansion and cultural development of Pergamon, built strong alliances with Rome
Attalus III Philometor	170 BC	133 BC	138–133 BC	Last king of Pergamon, bequeathed the kingdom to Rome in his will, ending the Attalid Dynasty

List of Settlements

Here's a comprehensive table of known ancient settlements in the Kingdom of Pergamon, including their latitude, longitude, year founded, estimated population, and modern location. Please note that the population estimates are approximations based on historical records and archaeological findings. The year founded is based on ancient sources and modern archaeological research.

Ancient Settlement	Latitude	Longitude	Year Founded	Estimated Population (Ancient)	Modern Location
Pergamon	39.1200	27.1800	c. 281 BC	100,000 - 200,000	Bergama, Turkey
Elaea	39.1186	26.7908	c. 8th century BC	10,000 - 20,000	Zeytindağ, Turkey
Thyatira	38.9200	27.8400	c. 3rd century BC	15,000 - 25,000	Akhisar, Turkey
Myrina	38.9000	26.9500	c. 8th century BC	10,000 - 20,000	Near Aliağa, Turkey
Cyme	38.9042	26.9650	c. 8th century BC	10,000 - 20,000	Near Aliağa, Turkey
Pitane	39.1167	26.9167	c. 8th century BC	5,000 - 10,000	Çandarlı, Turkey
Teos	38.2000	26.7800	c. 1000 BC	5,000 - 10,000	Seferihisar, Turkey
Ephesus	37.9500	27.3700	c. 10th century BC	200,000 - 250,000	Selçuk, Turkey
Smyrna	38.4237	27.1428	c. 11th century BC	100,000 - 150,000	İzmir, Turkey
Magnesia on the Maeander	37.8703	27.5150	c. 4th century BC	20,000 - 30,000	Near Aydın, Turkey

Sources

See, beside general authorities for Asia Minor, J. Dallaway, Constantinople, &c. (1797); W. M. Ramsay, Letters to the Seven Churches (1904); and especially the publication by the Royal Museum of Berlin, Alterthumer von Pergamon (1885 sqq.); “Operations at Pergamon 1906-1907,” in Athenische Mitteil. (1908), xxxiii. 4; G. Leroux, “La Prétendue basilique de Pergame” in Bull. Corr. Hell. (1909), pp. 238 sqq. (D. G. H.)

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 21

Kingdom of Pergamon

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