Pergamum is such a fascinating ancient city that I’ve wanted to see in person since I first started studying ancient history in the portables at Lexington middle school eons ago. Pergamum was such a political seat of power for all of Asia Minor, reveling that of Athens in ancient times. Its very well known for the Asklepion, dedicated to Asklepius the Greek God of Medicine. It’s also mentioned in the book of revelation as the dwelling of Satan.
Pergamum was an ancient city in Anotalia, now modern day Izmir, in the Province of Turkey. Pergamon enjoyed its height of power during the Hellenistic period. The city became the first capital of the Asian province during the Roman period, but Ephesus eventually become Asia Minors capital city. Pergamon is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Tap here to learn more about Ancient Pergamum.
The Asklepion was dedicated to Pergamum’s god of health, the deity of health and medicine, who served the people for several hundred years and literally made Pergamum a medical center of great importance. Tap here to dive into the history and mythology of this magnificent ancient monument.
Pergamum is also mentioned in the book of revelation. Revelation 2:12-17 records a letter written by apostle John to the Christians who lived in Pergamum. John also gives the city of Pergamum an unusual designation: “I know where you live; where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death in your city;where Satan lives” (verse 13). Check out these links to learn more about Pergamum’s Biblical Significance: The Seat of Satan: Ancient Pergamum, PRCA and Biblical Significance
Although I have now been to Turkey once, I have not yet experienced Mount Ida or Pergamum. But I intentionally planned this year’s Retreat so that we will all get to experience this incredible ancient city together!
On day 6 we start our last morning in Mont Ida at our hotel with a yoga practice, breakfast and a shower. Then we get on our bus and start our full day tour of Pergamum. This is one of those locations that is unforgettable to those history buffs and lovers of culture and anthropology alike. It’s a well preserved scene of several cultures, ranging from the stone to bronze ages until the archaic and classical periods. We will get to go back in time and see Temples, Agoras, Palaces; the Asclepion, the parchment library and alter to Zeus. We will experience the Acropolis and so many other wonderful well preserved monuments in Pergamum.
After our tour of Pergamum, we will drive to the Sirince village which means “pretty” in Turkish. It is such a wonderful synthesis of Greek and Turkish culture. Not only is everything truly quite pretty but the dynamic cultural interweaving of Turkish and Greek cultures is something you can only see and experience to truly understand the beauty. Once we finish being guided around the city we will have free time to walk around and purchase any hand crafts we many want. When we finish the tour we begin our drive to Kusadasi.
For those of you who are as excited as I am about experiencing these ancient sites, tap here to learn more about the full tour and register to secure your spot.
