Bergama

views updated

Bergama Market town in Izmir province, w Turkey, site of the ancient city of Pergamum. It became capital of Mysia (an important kingdom in the Attalid dynasty) in the 3rd century bc and flourished as a centre of Hellenistic civilization. An agricultural and mining centre, it was also known for its arts and culture. It was bequeathed to Rome by Attalus III in 133 bc. The hilltop remains of the ancient city stand above the new town. There is a gold mine nearby. Pop. (1997) 46,100.

More From encyclopedia.com