THE HISTORY OF PERGAMON

Having been inhabited since Prehistoric periods, Pergamon and its surroundings became an important center in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The artifacts coming from excavations proved to us that there was a small settlement in the 6th and the 5th cent BC on the spot where Pergamon is located. The city came under the domination of Alexander in 334 BC, and after Alexander’s death Lysimachos took control (301 BC). Lysimachos entrusted his 9000-talent-treasure to Phileitairos to be protected in well-fortifield Pergamon; nevertheless, Phileitaros betrayed Lysimachos and used this Money to establish the Dynasty of Pergamon Phileitaros(283-263 BC) expanded the northern borders up to the Sea of Marmara. Following his death, Eumenes I (263-241 BC), Attalos I (241-197 BC), Eumenes II (197-159 BC), Attalos II (159-138 BC) and Attalos III (138-133 BC) ascended the throne respectively. Since Attalos I succeeded in the battle against the Galatians who they have been paying extortion , then Eumenes II obtained Asia Minor down to the Taurus Mountains by the Treaty Apameia (188 BC). Following his victory over Antiochos III, the Kingdom, from the Marmara to the  Mediterranean, reached its most powerful era in politics. The importance towards art and culture that was given by the kings of Pergamon resulted in the production of very significant Works in architecture and sculpture. In 133 BC, the Kingdom was left to the Roman Empire via the testament of Attalos III, and then the city kept up its significance as the capital of the Province of Asia of Rome.

The popilation increased to about 150.000 in the Roman Imperial period, and the important construction activities also continued. By the time when Christianity arose, one of the first church communities formed in Pergamon.

Asclepieion, the health center, is also of consequense for Pergamon. Having been established in 4th century BC, the Sanctuary of Asclepios continued to develop in the Hellenistic period, had its glamorous era in AD 2nd century and became an important health center.

   Pergamon was also affected when the Roman Empire began to lose its power from AD 3rd century. The city was obtained by the Byzantine Empire in AD 395 and got rather smaller. In the Byzantine period the city was surrounded by a narrower city  wall.

Pergamon was occupied for a short time by the Arabs in AD 716 and then it was captured by the Turks. During the Seljuk and Otoman times prosperity and construction were considered very important, and the religious and civil architectural structures have survived.