DAILY TOURS: Ancient Pergamum [Kusadasi Dep]

Today we invite you to join us on visit to one of the world's most important historical sites Ancient Pergamum, today's Bergama. Bergama is one of the Turkey's oldest civilized settlements, which has been inhabited from prehistoric times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. It has yielded archaeological treasures whose importance is recognized world-wide. 
Known for centuries for its monuments it was a great city and served as the center of Pergamum Kingdom. Ruled by the Attalid dynasty, the city rose to prominence as an administrative center under King Eumenes II of Pergamum, who formed an alliance with the Roman Republic, severing ties with the Greeks.

Pergamum is credited with being the home and namesake of parchment (charta pergamena). Prior to the creation of parchment; manuscripts were transcribed on papyrus, which was produced only in Alexandria. When the Ptolemies of Egypt refused to export any more papyrus to Pergamum, King Eumenes II commanded that an alternative source be found. This led to the production of parchment, which was made out of a thin sheet of sheep or goat skin.
Pergamus was also the most favored of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. Christianity reached Pergamum very early and its Church was praised for its extraordinary forbearance during times of persecution. It was here that Rome executed the first Christians.

Upon arrival in Bergama we will visit the stunning Acropolis of the Hellenistic city perched 300 M/1000 feet above the town. Remains include the Altar of Zeus, palaces, the Temples of Trajan and Dionysus and the world’s steepest amphitheatre. The Temple of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The German engineer, Carl Humann, brought the altar now known as the Altar of Pergamum to Berlin.