#pergamon

Detail of a temple wall from the Sumerian city of Uruk in Mesopotamia. The temple dates back to the late 15th century BCE, and it was dedicated to the Sumerian goddess Inanna-Ishtar. The Pergamon Museum, Berlin, GERMANY.

The "Pergamon table": a kind of magical instrument. In each of the triangle's corners is a depiction of a goddess, labelled above with an epithet ('Διώνη', 'Φοίβη', and 'Νυχίη') and below with a participle 'ἀμ(ε)ίβουσα'. Based on these labels, the figures' attire (χιτών and girdle,) and the accessories they carry (key, torches, whip, serpent, and sword), the goddesses have been identified with the three aspects of triple Hekate.

Cabin in Woods, Kozak Plateau, Pergamon, Turkey,

Pergamonmuseum 2025: Altar / Tempietto / Mshatta

Pergamon: Ancient Intellectual Powerhouse

Pergamon was a vibrant city in northwest Asia Minor (modern Turkey) known for its cultural and intellectual achievements during the Hellenistic Period. It thrived under the Attalid Dynasty (281-133 BCE) and was home to one of the greatest ancient libraries, famous temples, and significant contributions to medicine and writing materials. Its impressive history stretches from its early foundation through Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods before falling into ruin.

Key Facts

Location: Mysia, northwest Asia Minor (modern Bergama, Turkey)

Period of prominence: Attalid Dynasty, 281-133 BCE

Known for: The Great Library of Pergamon, the Altar of Zeus, and birthplace of physician Galen

Cultural significance: One of the seven churches in the biblical Book of Revelation

Historical figures: Founded by Philetaerus, a general of Lysimachus; ruled by the Attalid line

End of independence: Bequeathed to Rome in 133 BCE by Attalus III

Decline: Withered under Byzantine rule; ruined by Ottoman conquest in the 12th century

Rediscovery: Excavations began in the 19th century; many artifacts now in Berlin's Pergamon Museum

Historical Context

Pergamon rose to prominence after Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented. The city evolved from a Persian-controlled settlement into a Hellenistic kingdom under the Attalids, who made it a rival cultural center to Alexandria. It was a key player in the Mediterranean world, reflecting the blend of Greek and Eastern influences during this period.

Historical Significance

Pergamon’s legacy lies in its role as an intellectual and religious hub. Its vast library once rivaled Alexandria’s, fostering scholarship and medicine, including advances by Galen. Architecturally, monuments like the Altar of Zeus influenced later Western art and culture. Its mention in the Bible underscores its religious and symbolic significance. The city’s archaeological remains provide crucial insights into Hellenistic civilization and its transition through subsequent empires.

Pergamon’s story is one of cultural brilliance and historical shifts, reminding us how cities can shape knowledge, religion, and power through the centuries.

Temple of Trajan (also known as the Trajaneum) at the ancient city of Pergamon, located in modern-day Turkey.

The temple was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan, starting around 114 AD.

It was situated at the highest point of the Pergamon Acropolis and was dedicated to both Emperor Trajan and the city's patron goddess, Athena.

The structure's foundations were made of local andesite stone, which was then covered with white marble panels.

Archaeologists Discover Massive ’Mosaic House’ in Turkey

Excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pergamon, located in Izmir, Türkiye, have uncovered the remains of a large “Mosaic House” complex, along with ancient tombs, kitchenware, weaponry, and jewelry.

The site, part of the Bergama Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape, showcases the rich history of Anatolia spanning prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Beyliks, and Ottoman periods.

A female archaeologist shows a small artifact found in the “Mosaic House” from the Roman period in the ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Professor Yusuf Sezgin, the lead of excavations and head of the Department of Archaeology at Manisa Celal Bayar University, revealed that excavation work began in September 2024 as part of the “Legacy for the Future Project” initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

A roof tile with the inscription “Basilike” discovered at the excavation site of the “Mosaic House,” a Roman-era structure in ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Royal connection

During the excavation of the Mosaic House, a remarkable discovery was made: a roof tile with the inscription “Basilike,” meaning “royal” in ancient Greek.

This finding suggests that the building was likely used by royalty during the Hellenistic period.

Professor Sezgin explained, “The inscription on the tile indicates that the structure was likely part of the royal family’s private residences, as such seals were commonly used in royal buildings at Pergamon.”

A complex called the “Mosaic House” from the Roman period is being uncovered in the ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Key features of Mosaic House

The Mosaic House is a “peristyle house,” characterized by a central stone courtyard and a pool, indicative of a grand residential complex. The mosaic floors, dating back to the second and third centuries A.D., are the standout feature of the house. These intricate mosaics, with geometric and botanical motifs, signal the importance of the building and its usage during the Roman period.

The complex was likely also used during the Christian period, as evidenced by the nearby Red Court, which was converted into a church. Evidence suggests that the house was abandoned after a major fire during the seventh-century Arab invasions.

A complex called the “Mosaic House” from the Roman period is being uncovered in the ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Royal tile, iconic inscriptions

Further excavation has revealed a royal seal on a roof tile, bearing the Greek word “Basilike,” a term used in Pergamon’s royal structures.

Professor Sezgin emphasized, “Ths is the first complete roof tile with such an inscription, which had been found in fragments before.”

A complex called the “Mosaic House” from the Roman period is being uncovered in the ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Grave in pool: Child’s emotional memorial

Another striking discovery was made in the pool of the Mosaic House, where a grave marker had been repurposed as part of the pool’s structure.

The inscription on the stone reads, “The sweetest child in the world,” accompanied by a depiction of a child hunting rabbits with a dog. Professor Sezgin noted, “This emotional gravestone offers a poignant glimpse into the social life of the time, revealing personal stories beyond the usual historical narratives.”

A complex called the “Mosaic House” from the Roman period is being uncovered in the ancient city of Pergamon, Izmir, Türkiye. 

Byzantine burial, artifacts discovered

In addition to these findings, archaeologists have uncovered numerous everyday items, such as kitchenware, weapons, jewelry, and coins from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Professor Sezgin explained that these artifacts will be displayed at the Bergama Museum.

Furthermore, a Byzantine cemetery has been identified, providing insight into the lives of the last Bergama residents before the arrival of the Turks.

By Koray Erdogan.

Bronze kneeling satyr with traces of silver in the eyes; probably the base for an oil lamp. Said to be from the vicinity of Pergamon, Turkey, ca. 150-31 BCE.