Pergamum

Pergamum, ancient capital of Mysia in Asia Minor, now western Turkey. An independent kingdom from 282 B.C. and a sovereign monarchy from 262 B.C., Pergamum was Hellenistic in culture and orientation. It sided with Rome under the Attalid kings (263–133 B.C.) and received large holdings in Asia Minor as a reward. Pergamum achieved its peak as a center of art and learning during the rule of Eumenes II (197–159 B.C.). Its public buildings, particularly its library, were among the greatest in the Greek world. Eumenes's successor, Attalus II, doubted his heirs' ability to maintain Pergaman liberty and at his death (133 B.C.), he willed the kingdom to Rome. Pergamum was famed for the manufacture of textiles, parchment, perfumes, tiles, and bricks. It was a seat of early Christianity.