Pergamum

Click a letter for the index

Or search the encyclopaedia:

 

 

Go

 

Click image to enlarge
Ancient Greek city in Mysia in western Asia Minor, which became the capital of an independent kingdom in 283 BC under the Attalid dynasty. As the ally of Rome it achieved great political importance in the 2nd century BC, and became a centre of art and culture. It had a famous library, the contents of which were transported to Alexandria when they were given by Mark Antony to Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Pergamum was the birthplace of the physician Galen. Most of its territory became the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC, when the childless King Attalus III bequeathed it to Rome. Close to its site is the modern Turkish town of Bergama.

Red may suggest bloodshed or liberty. White symbolizes purity. Green represents Islam. Effective date: 3 July 1962. >>