The Acropolis of Pergamon was the site of the world’s second largest ancient library (after the library at Alexandria, Egypt). Eumenes II loved collecting books, and his library is said to have contained 200,000 books. At one point the rivalry between Alexandria and Pergamon became so intense that Egypt cut off its supply of papyrus to the city. Not to be deterred, Eumenes II challenged his scientists to find a replacement, and they did–pergamen, which is known as parchment in English. Parchment was derived from animal hides rather than pressed papyrus seeds and was more durable and could be written on both sides.
The Temple of Trajan is one of the best preserved structures still remaining on the Pergamon Acropolis. It was restored by the German Archaeological Institute. Scientists from the Institute excavated the entire site over many years, and many of the best artifacts are now contained in the Pergamon Museum of Berlin, Germany. I thought the most interesting structure on the Acropolis was the 10,000-seat theater, which is built into the hillside of the Acropolis and is one of the steepest in the world.
Those fascinated by Roman ruins could easily spend several hours at the Acropolis, especially if the weather is favorable. Our group had plenty of time to walk all over the site before riding the cable car back down to board our bus and drive to the Asclepion.
During the 350 years following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC) until Pergamon (also spelled Pergamum) became a province of the Roman Empire (129 AD), it was one of the richest and important cities of the Middle East. The city reached its high point during the reign of King Eumenes II (197-159 BC).
Today, visitors can explore the historical remains and significant archaeological excavations at the Pergamon Acropolis, Red Basilica, and at the Asclepion (hospital complex), all of which is in the Turkish province of Izmir and only 16 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.
Located in downtown road to the Acropolis, the Red Basilica was built in the second century BC and was once a temple to the Egyptian God Serapis. In the Book of Revelations in the Christian Bible, St. John the Divine identified this basilica as the throne of the devil and one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse.
The Acropolis is accessed via a cable car, which was built just a few years ago. Previously, buses and cars drove a winding road to the summit, but now visitors park, pay a fee, and ride the cable car to the top. Once you exit the cable car, there’s a cafe and a few shops.
Walking around the ancient site of this important city’s acropolis is quite interesting, and the views of the surrounding countryside, the old Roman aqueducts, Pergamon and Asclepion are terrific.
Looking up at the Temple of Trajan from Athena site
This white stone at Pergamum with names inscribed reminds of Jesus’ words.
This white stone at Pergamum with names inscribed reminds of Jesus’ words: “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write…He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Rev 2:12, 17).
Acropolis of Pergamon,
Breathtaking! There are far fewer tourists here which may have been why I enjoyed it so much. Or maybe it was the views of Bergama and the dam in the valleys below since this site sits atop a mountain in the area. Nonetheless this set of ruins is definitely worth your stop. Prepare for a windy afternoon though. We were…
We had the right guide and spent 2 hours here – absorbing and in awe. The site rewards the effort. The sad part is how the German Archaeologists stole so many treasures.
we were really impressed how developed the acropolis was during the Greek and Roman time. these people really tried to get the most out of their hill.
The Acropolis is really impressive place. Especially the ancient theatre is worth to see. For those who has time limitation and also wish to see all parts of the site, I would recommend taking cable car to go up and using the ancient path to go down.
Don't travel back down by cablecar, but walk. If you don't walk, you'll miss out on SO much. There is so much to see and explore. Depending on how much time you spend at each ruin, the walk could take about 2-3 hours. It is a VERY easy walk. If you don't stop, the walk will only take about 30…
The Acropolis of Pergammon is almost the only part of the remains of Pergammon that most visitors, on a tour, get to see – but there is so much more if you are prepared to climb down the hillside to the gymnasium and the recently restored Demeter temple with its fantastic mosaics!
This is a must if you are touring Turkey. The ancient city and the Asklepion are so well preserved. You get a great feeling for ancient medicine.The Emperors came here for treatment including Caracalla and Marcus Aurelius. It was the main hospital of Little Asia and had many treatments that we still use today. Facinating. The museum in the modern…
The acropolis at Bergama is fascinating. It is not handicapped accessible and has some hard walking. You get to the top via a chair lift. The ruins are impressive but not as much as Aphrodisias or Esphesus. But the chair lift to the top to see the wonderful views is worth the trip.
Take you time wondering around. I had…
Ever since I visited Berlin, I wanted to go to Pergamon. You see, the Altar of Zeus was dismantled and re-erected in a musuem in Berlin named after Pergamon. But there is still a lot to see, particularly the view. As you have to use a cable car to get to the site, you will appreciate that it is surrounded…
Couldn't do the stairs to the elevator – found the handicapp ramp – climbed it, and was told to go back down and use the stairs. Couldn't manage the stairs – so went with my unused ticket back to the bus. The cable car does not go to the top – you will have a short walk up to the…