What is…
Pergamum

also known as: Pergamon, Pergamos and Bergama

Greek: Περγάμῳ

This was once the chief city of Mysia, in Asia Minor. Parchment was first made here, and was called by the Greeks pergamene, from the name of the city.

Pergamon city stood on the banks of the Caicus River, about 20 miles (32 km) from the sea. It is now called Bergama (Berghama), Turkey.

Satan’s seat

With its massive idolatrous temples, and even worship of Caesar Augustus as divine here, the city was noted for its wickedness, so much so that our Lord says “Satan’s seat” was there.

Today, the most famous structure from Pergamum (Pergamon) is the monumental temple and altar which apparently was devoted to the false Greek dieties Zeus (Jupiter, Roman equivalent) and Athena (Roman: Minerva). It is now on display in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum (below). Some have suggested that this huge pagan temple is the Seat of Satan mentioned in Revelation. Scholars note that the structure resembles a gigantic throne.

Church in Pergamum

One of the “seven churches” mentioned in the book of Revelation was planted here . It was the most northern of these churches.

“saying, “Write in a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” —Revelation 1:11 LSB

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says: ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. —Revelation 2:12-13 LSB

Ruins of the Sanctuary of Asclepius, Pergamon, TurkeyPhotographer: Bernard Gagnon. Licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0.

The church of Pergamum was rebuked for swerving from the truth and embracing the doctrines of Balaam and of the Nicolaitanes.

“At this regional seat of Rome, the governor had ‘the power of the sword’ to determine life and death. John reminded Christians of this powerful, pagan city that Jesus alone-not the Roman governor-hold all power, including power of life and death.” —“On the Early Church,” “Where Satan Lives,” part of the Faith Lessons video series

Antipas, Christ's “faithful martyr,” here sealed his testimony with his blood.

More information

• Similar name: Perga
• TURKEY—Answers about Biblical places and events in what is now the Republic of Türkiye
• What is The Church according to the Bible?
• About martyrs for Jesus Christ in the Bible
• Is Satan a real person that influences our world today? Is he affecting you?
• SATAN’S STRATEGY—What is one of Satan’s most successful strategies in dealing with followers of Christ?
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• DEMONS—What does the Bible say about them?
• What is the Book of Revelation?
• Answers about Ancient Rome in the Bible
• What are the CITIES OF THE BIBLE? Names, descriptions, locations and types
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