Bergama, also known as Pergamum, is an ancient city located in present-day Turkey, about 17 miles (27 km) north of the modern city of Izmir. It was founded in the 3rd century BCE by Greek colonists and quickly grew to become one of the most important cities in the region. The city was known for its impressive acropolis, which featured a number of important structures, including the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Trajan, the Library of Pergamum, and the Altar of Zeus. The Library of Pergamum was considered to be one of the most important libraries of the ancient world and was said to contain over 200,000 scrolls.

In addition to its cultural and intellectual achievements, Pergamum was also an important center of politics and power. The city was the capital of the Pergamene Kingdom, which was a powerful state in the region. The kings of Pergamum were known for their ambitious building projects, including the construction of the acropolis and the theater.

Christianity was present in Bergama from an early date, and the city was home to one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the New Testament book of Revelation. According to the biblical account, the church in Bergama was commended for its faith but criticized for tolerating the teaching of false prophets. The city was also an important center of early Christian martyrdom, with several early Christian saints, such as Antipas, being martyred there.

Pergamum was conquered by the Roman Republic in 133 BCE, and it was subsequently ruled by the Roman Empire. The city continued to thrive under Roman rule, with the Romans building a number of impressive structures, including the Roman Imperial Cult Temple, the Temple of Dionysus, and the Roman Aqueduct. Today, the ruins of Pergamum are a popular tourist destination and an important source of information about the ancient world.