Pergamum, Turkiye
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells…’” Revelation 2:12-13
Speculation about the what exactly is referred to by “Satan’s throne” include perhaps the enormous altar to Zeus (reconstructed in the Berlin Museum) which could be seen for miles around extending out from the top of the mesa. It may simply refer to the number and variety of temples to pagan gods. Perhaps it refers to the importance of Pergamum as a center of the Imperial cult and emperor worship.
Pergamum was a Greek city built on top of mesa near the Bergamacay and Kestelcay rivers. The acropolis is full of amazing Greek structures including the steepest theater in antiquity. In fact, the Greeks so filled the acropolis that the only real change in the Roman era at the top was a temple to Trajan. Rome had to build around the base of the mesa to add to the city. On the south side, the original ancient road descends to lower terraces where there is a bath complex, a smaller / poorer neighborhood cultic hall, several temples, and most impressive a massive gymnasium built on 3 levels.
In the modern city of Bergama, there are ancient remains of the red basilica and temples to Egyptian gods. The ancient Via Tecta connected the lower Asclepius / healing complex (which is an entire fascinating site all its own) and sacred spring with the main city and acropolis.
A breath taking site (or perhaps dizzying is a better description as you take the first steps into the theater!!).
Theater at Pergamum. The steepest in antiquity, with a capacity of 10,000 people.
