Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of several church buildings in ancient Pergamum. These discoveries show that Christianity became well established in the city during the early Byzantine period. Although many of the structures are now ruined or buried, they give important information about the religious life of the city.
The most famous and best-preserved Christian building is the Church of St John, which was constructed inside the large Roman structure known today as the Red Court. This massive building was originally built as a pagan temple complex, probably dedicated to Egyptian gods. In the fourth century CE, it was converted into a Christian church and most likely served as the cathedral of Pergamum, meaning the main church of the city and the seat of the bishop Sofia Daily Tours.
Other Early Churches in the City
Another early Christian church once stood in the courtyard of the Lower Agora, the commercial center of ancient Pergamum. Unfortunately, no visible remains of this church survive today. Its existence is known only through archaeological evidence and written sources.
A third important church was built on the acropolis, on the site of the former enclosure of the Temple of Athena. This church dates to the reign of Justinian the Great in the sixth century CE, a time when Christianity was strongly supported by the Byzantine state. Parts of its marble floor pavement are still visible today, giving a glimpse of the building’s former beauty.
Christians living in the Asclepion district, which was the famous medical and healing center of Pergamum, also had their own churches. Archaeologists have identified traces of these buildings, although they are not as well preserved. In addition, remains of several smaller and less important churches dating to the later Byzantine period have been found scattered among the ruins of the city.
Jewish Converts and the Early Christian Community
It is generally believed that the Christian community of Pergamum, like those in other cities of Asia Minor, included some Jewish converts. This idea is supported by archaeological finds. A fragment from a synagogue door or screen decorated with a menorah, the traditional Jewish seven-branched lampstand, has been discovered The Heresy of Balaam in Pergamum.
However, the exact location of the synagogue in Pergamum is still unknown. Despite this, the evidence suggests that Jewish and Christian communities lived close to one another and that some Jews accepted the Christian faith during the early centuries.
Ancient Thyateira: A Neighboring City
Not far from Pergamum lay the ancient city of Thyateira, known today as Akhisar. The earliest information about Thyateira dates back to the seventh century BCE, when a Lydian fortress stood on the site. Its location made it an important point for defense and control of the surrounding region.
During the Hellenistic period, the Seleucid king Antiochus I established a series of military settlements to guard against possible invasions from Central Anatolia, which was inhabited by the Galatians. Thyateira was probably one of these fortified settlements, although little is known about its early size or population.
Later, Thyateira continued to function as a military and strategic center under the Kingdom of Pergamum and then under Roman rule. Its long history as a stronghold helped it remain an important city throughout antiquity.
