Pergamum

PER-guh-mum · Modern Bergama, Turkey · Also called Pergamon

Pergamum is a city of the biblical world, known today as Bergama, Turkey.

What is known

One of the seven churches of Revelation, described as the place "where Satan's throne is" — likely referencing the city's prominent pagan temples (Revelation 2:12-17)
Site of a huge altar to Zeus and Athena, whose imposing hilltop presence some scholars connect to John's "Satan's throne" language

History

Founded: A Hellenistic capital, later a major Roman provincial city
Population: Estimated 100,000–150,000 residents by the end of the 1st century AD, growing toward 200,000 by the mid-2nd century AD
Coordinates: 39.1325° N, 27.1842° E

Archaeology

Excavated since 1878, Pergamon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Major finds include the Great Altar of Zeus and Athena — its famous frieze was removed to Berlin's Pergamon Museum, a removal still debated between Turkey and Germany — plus a renowned library and a steep Hellenistic theatre. The altar's connection to Revelation's "Satan's throne" is interpretive, not an archaeologically confirmed fact.

The remaining foundations of the Great Altar of Zeus on the Pergamon acropolis — source & licence

The Pergamon acropolis viewed from the Sanctuary of Asclepius — source & licence

Scripture references

Revelation 1:11
Revelation 2:12-17

On a modern map

Pergamum today

More places

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