PERGAMUS (town in Crete)
Town in ancient Crete
- Kind of place
- Town
- Region
- Crete
- Patron
- Dionysus
- Landmarks
- Apollo's temple Quintus 13 ¶22; Athena's fane Quintus 13 ¶22; Antimachus' halls Quintus 13 ¶22; Aeneas' palace Quintus 13 ¶22; Hearth-lord's altar Quintus 13 ¶22; Iron heads of a lion and wild boar (Dionysus) Pausanias 10.18.6
- Where
- 35.53° N, 23.77° E
A temple stood within the town of Pergamus. Iliad 5 ¶38 A cenotaph for Laocoon's sons was built before the temple in this town. Quintus 12 ¶24 Archias brought the cult of Asclepius to this town after being healed in Epidaurus. Pausanias 2.26.8
Described in the sources
Apollo observed the battle from this location. Iliad 4 ¶37 +1 A tomb of a Silenus is located in this town. Pausanias 6.24.8 Pergamus contained a chamber belonging to Attalus. Pausanias 9.35.6 A tomb of Auge is located at this town above the Calcus. Pausanias 8.4.9 Aeneas' palace was located within the town and burned down. Quintus 13 ¶22 Apollo placed Aeneas in this town to remove him from the battle. Iliad 5 ¶38 Antimachus' halls were situated in the town and consumed by flames. Quintus 13 ¶22 The town is the location where Sosus created a famous mosaic floor. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.60 ¶1 The town was completely destroyed by fire during a catastrophic event. Quintus 13 ¶22 Paris departed from this high location while wearing his bronze armour. Iliad 6 ¶35
Gods and worship
People sacrifice to Telephus at this location. Pausanias 5.13.3
Stories and history
Images of Graces crafted by Bupalus were located in Pergamus. Pausanias 9.35.6 The entire city sank down into hell as a result of the destruction. Quintus 13 ¶22 The local mosaic features a dove drinking and casting a shadow on water. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.60 ¶1 The son of Atreus dragged Paris's head backward to cut his throat there. Euripides, Iphigenia in Aulis 773-800 Other birds are shown sunning themselves near a drinking bowl in the artwork. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.60 ¶1 The production of this specific frankincense unguent at Pergamus has since ceased. Athenaeus 15.38 It contains a mosaic depicting banquet remnants that look accidentally left behind. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.60 ¶1 Pergamus once produced a highly prized frankincense unguent due to a local perfumer's invention. Athenaeus 15.38 The son of Atreus surrounded the town with a murderous war and sacked the city from its roof to its base. Euripides, Iphigenia in Aulis 773-800