About Pergamum (Bergama)

Pergamum rose to prominence in the Hellenistic Age. Its fortress and palace crowned the hill, while the town sprawled below. The acropolis housed the world-famous Altar of Zeus, adorned with elaborate sculptures at its base.

Acropolis

Rising 400m above the Caicus plain, Pergamum’s acropolis features a 15,000-seat theatre accessed via the Temple of Athena. The Pergamum Library once held 200,000 volumes, ranking among the largest libraries of the ancient world.

Asclepion

This 2^nd century healing centre honoured Asclepius, offering mud baths, herbal remedies, and spa treatments. A colonnaded street leads to exercise rooms, library, temples, and a small theatre, highlighting Pergamum's role as a major medical and wellness hub.

Red Basilica

The massive Red Basilica in Bergama town was built by Emperor Hadrian as a temple to Serapis and Isis. Later, during the Byzantine era, it was converted into a church dedicated to the Apostle John.

The Compromising Church

Pergamum was the third of the Seven Churches addressed by Jesus and received a stern rebuke. Though courageous, the congregation had compromised faith, allowing idolatry to mingle with the Gospel and the city’s pervasive pagan practice (Revelation 2:12-17).