Pergamon

🏛 Ancient City of Pergamon (Bergama) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

📍 Location: Bergama, Turkey
🏛 Founded: 3rd Century BC
👑 Most Famous Rulers: Lysimachus, Philetarus, Eumenes II
🌍 Significance: One of the most powerful cultural & medical centers of the ancient world

🏛 Top Attractions in Pergamon
1️⃣ The Acropolis of Pergamon
🏛 The Great Altar of Zeus

Once one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world.
Most of it is now in the Pergamon Museum (Berlin), but its base remains on-site.
Built during the reign of Eumenes II (2nd century BC).

🎭 Hellenistic Theatre

One of the steepest theaters in the world, with 10,000 seats.
Built into the hillside, offering breathtaking views.

📖 Library of Pergamon

Second largest library in Greek civilization (after Alexandria).
Housed 200,000 scrolls and was famous for developing parchment (Pergamena).

🏛 Temple of Trajan & Athena

Dedicated to Emperor Trajan and Goddess Athena, showing Pergamon’s Roman influence.
2️⃣ Asclepion – Ancient Healing Center
🩺 Ancient Medical Center & Home of Galen

Galen, one of the most influential medical pioneers, worked here.
Healing methods included herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, dream interpretation & sacred springs.
Pilgrims from across the Roman Empire visited for treatment.

🏺 Sacred Springs & Healing Rituals

Patients bathed in, drank, and used sacred waters for healing.
Small clay body parts were left as offerings, symbolizing healed illnesses.
3️⃣ The Red Basilica (Serapeum)
🔴 Ancient Egyptian Temple turned Christian Basilica

Originally dedicated to Egyptian gods Serapis, Isis & Harpocrates.
Later converted into a church, making it one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
🛕 Unique Architecture & Mysticism

A hidden speaker system in the temple allowed priests to give the illusion that the gods were speaking.
📍 How to Visit Pergamon?
🚗 By Car: 2.5 hours from Izmir, 3.5 hours from Ephesus
🚶‍♂️ By Cable Car: Reach the Acropolis via a scenic cable car ride from Bergama town
🚍 By Tour: Guided tours often include Pergamon, Ephesus & Sardis

📌 Why Visit?
✅ See the ruins of one of the greatest Hellenistic cities
✅ Explore the birthplace of modern medical science
✅ Visit a site linked to biblical history & ancient Egyptian worship
✅ Marvel at stunning architecture & panoramic views from the Acropolis

📌 Pergamon is a must-see for history lovers & cultural travelers!