The city of Pergamum is located in northwest Asia Minor in the fertile valley of the Caicus River. The acropolis or upper city, which is the oldest section of Pergamum, sits high on a steep ridge between two tributaries of the river. It was most likely not the Greeks who first settled in Pergamum as early as the 8th century BC. The first historical mention comes in 399 BC when the city is being ruled by a local Greek tyrant.

Pergamum emerged as a power after the death of Alexander the Great and the subsequent break up of the Macedonian empire. The Attalids, a Greek family, established Pergamum as an independent state and the city grew as a result of battles successfully won against the Gauls of central Anatolia. Political alliances with Rome, also contributed to the state's stability.

Pergamum reached its peak during the reign of Eumenes II (197-159 BC) in the second century. The kingdom, at the time, included most of western Anatolia and was rich in agriculture and industry. Exports included textiles, pottery and parchment (Pergamene paper). The city was one of the centers of high, Hellenic culture along with Athens and Alexandria. It possessed a great library, numerous religious sanctuaries, and a large gymnasium. It was home to many noted philosophers and artists and was a center for Hellenistic sculpture. Among the works produced are the "Dying Gaul" and the frieze for the great alter of Zeus. All this was possible due to the support by the Attalid rules of the arts and learning. The Stoa of Attalos II in Athens is an example of the generosity of the Attalids abroad as well. Another major feature of the city built during this time is the 10,000 seat theater that is one of the steepest in the world.

The independence of Pergamum came to an end when the last Attalid ruler, Attalos III, bequeathed the city to Rome in 133 BC. The city continued to expand the prosperity continued under Roman rule. There was a slight decline in the 1st century AD, but the city awakened again in the 2nd century. New monuments including the Sanctuary of Asklepios, which was one of the most famous therapeutic and healing centers in the Roman world, were constructed during this time. The physician, Galen, was born at Pergamum and received his early training at Asklepion.

At the end of the second century AD, Pergamum became an important center of Christianity. But following the weakening of the Pax Romana, the city went into decline and lost much of its importance. It was soon overshadowed by the city of Ephesus.

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