Built approximately 392 meters above sea level on a steep mountainside, Pergamon is one of the most striking cities of the ancient world. Despite the challenging geographical conditions, Pergamon, the first major city to rise on such a steep slope, became one of the significant centers of the ancient world over time.
Pergamon consisted of two main settlement clusters: the upper and lower cities. The upper city at the summit housed structures dedicated to defense and administrative functions, while the social and religious facilities spread across the middle slopes formed shared living spaces for the public. The lower city at the foothills served as a residential area for other settlements.
Throughout its history, Pergamon was controlled by various states and empires. In 334 BCE, with Alexander the Great’s defeat of the Persians, it came under the rule of the Macedonian Kingdom. In 282 BCE, under the leadership of Philetairos, Pergamon emerged as an autonomous state. The Pergamon Kingdom (280–133 BCE) survived for approximately 150 years. Maintaining friendly relations with the Roman Empire, the kingdom became one of the most powerful states of the Hellenistic Period in the 2nd century BCE.
As the capital of the Attalids, Pergamon was enriched with grand public structures such as sanctuaries, marketplaces, gymnasiums, and theaters, all protected by a strong fortification system. Additionally, its residential areas with a regular settlement plan, carefully designed infrastructure, and a water supply system that made the water-scarce hill habitable showcase the period’s advanced engineering skills and meticulous work.
In 133 BCE, with the will of the last Pergamon king, Attalos III, the Pergamon Kingdom was annexed to the Roman Empire. It became part of the empire’s Asia Province, serving as one of the region’s important administrative centers. Throughout the ancient period, Pergamon stood out for its strategic location, impressive architectural structures, and rich cultural heritage. As a well-known city for its achievements in science and medicine, Pergamon gained fame with the Asklepion, one of the leading medical centers of the time. With all these characteristics, Pergamon secured its place as one of Anatolia’s most magnificent and influential cities in antiquity.