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,
The city of Pergamon is an unbelievable set of ruins. It will take your breath away at the sheer size and number of structures.
Pergamon was gorgeous. City on top of a hill with panoramic views of the Turkish countryside.
Pergamon is known for the library (second largest of the ancient world, I believe) and being the location where parchment was created. Not much of the city remains, but the ruins are still quite impressive. Parts of them hang off a cliff and you…
An extensive site with an incredible variety of archeological discoveries to marvel at….we thought to spend a few hours but the Akropolis draws you in for at least one day!
The city of Pergamon is an unbelievable set of ruins. It will take your breath away at the sheer size and number of structures.
A must see is the theatre. It sweeps down the hillside and is the steepest of the ancient world. (If you are in shape) Take the steps to the bottom because around the corner is another…
The site is reached by a cable car and then there are some steep steps and hills to climb., the views are superb. The ruins are well signposted and described. A much more satisfying visit than Troy. The little cafe us a shady spot for a cool drink. Beware of the carpet showroom tout.
The acropolis would have been magnificent in its day against the sky from almost any place in Pergamum/Bergama.
these columns are still lively, and doesnt have much ruins on it. With white colors exactly as it is seen on pics
We were really pleased that we chose to visit The Acropolis site and subsequently decided to give Ephesus a miss when we saw all the coach tours and tourists there.
The cable car up & down was 10TL each I think and then another 20TL to visit the ruins. It was an amazing place to visit with stunning views all…
We enjoyed the Pergamon Acropolis more than we did Ephasus. It has a more spectacular setting and it has far fewer people so you can wander about. Plan on taking the Gondola up to the top. It is a spectacular ride and it will be a less expensive cab fare than taking the taxi all the way to the summit….
We had read that Pergamon had a lot to offer and we weren't disappointed. Another reviewer has noted the absence of crowds and that is one of the benefits of visiting the Acropolis.
Whilst the extent of restoration at the site is not as advanced as other centres it does give you some understanding of the scale of the towns…