Building of Pergamon (Aiolis) under the early Attalid rulers. Philetaerus (r. 281–263 BC) built sanctuaries and transformed Pergamon (Aiolis) into a monumental capital in the Kaikos River valley Eumenes I succeeded Philetaerus in 263 BC and defeated the Seleucid king Antiochus, gaining independence Attalus I claimed the title of king after a publicized victory over the Galatians in Asia Minor
Philetaerus (r. 281–263 BC) turned Pergamon into a monumental capital in the Kaikos River valley, building sanctuaries and shaping the city. His successors Eumenes I and Attalus I expanded its power, with Attalus claiming kingship after defeating the Galatians. Eumenes II later fortified the citadel, added a massive gymnasium, and oversaw the Great Altar of Zeus — hailed as the pinnacle of Hellenistic art.
Key Facts
- Philetaerus (r. 281–263 BC) built sanctuaries and transformed Pergamon (Aiolis) into a monumental capital in the Kaikos River valley
- Eumenes I succeeded Philetaerus in 263 BC and defeated the Seleucid king Antiochus, gaining independence
- Attalus I claimed the title of king after a publicized victory over the Galatians in Asia Minor
- Attalus I built a stoa at Delphi and established a key alliance with the Roman Republic
- Under Eumenes II, the Pergamon (Aiolis) citadel received its definitive fortifications and a vast gymnasium complex was built on the lower slopes
- The Great Altar of Zeus, described as the supreme achievement of Hellenistic art, was constructed in the shadow of the royal palaces
- Eumenes II secured control over most of Asia Minor after the Romans drove the Seleucids beyond the Taurus Mountains
Related site: Pergamon Altar — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Rise and Fall of Pergamon by toldinstone