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After the death of Lysimachus,
Philetaerus took advantage of this wealth and founded the
independent dynasty of Attalid Kings which later became the centre
of Hellenistic civilization. With the success of the two kings
Attalus I and Eumenes II, Pergamum reached the highest point of
its power. However during those time Rome and the Hellenistic
leaders united. After that Pergamum became a very powerful kingdom
by Attalus I including Mysia, Lydia, Caria, Pamphylia and Phrygia.
He not only extended the borders but also decorated the capital
city with architectural splendors. Eumenes II improved the city
culturally. King Attalus III bequeathed the territory to the
Romans who made the city rich in art and culture poor in politics
and economy. The city went through the Arab, Byzantine and finally
the Turkish period in the 14C. In Hellenistic period the ancient
city made an intellectual progress with the famous sculpture
school and public buildings and monuments. Also Pergamum played an
important role during the reign of the Romans.
The foundation of acropolis in Pergamum depended on social and
cultural activities which we can consider it to be the daily life.
Because of this, buildings in Pergamum were designed to be used in
daily life. More than religion socialization was important as a
proof even the temples were one of the meeting places of people
where they can join in social affairs just like other large
buildings which were designed for this purpose. Pergamum had the
fame to be the first city who showed reaction to the functional
urbanism of Hippodamus as they preferred ornamental urbanism.
Acropolis buildings were built and designed with the aim of
impressing the ones viewing the city from the valley. All
buildings except the Trajan Temple were built in the reign of the
Hellenistic emperors which are mostly made of andesite and rarely
marble. Heroon in Pergamum was the shrine in which the kings
especially Attalus I and Eumenes II were worshipped.
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