Pergamon footage

One of the seven churches that received a letter in Revelation was in Pergamon (Pergamum). The seat of regional power for the Roman empire and a temple for the worship of Emperor Trajan, Pergamon was an especially difficult place for followers of Jesus to live. Multiple temples stood on the dramatic acropolis, including places of worship for Demeter, Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Hera. At the base of the acropolis was the massive healing center of Asclepius, which was also a pagan cult. The world’s steepest theater held seating for 10,000. Pergamon held the “power of the sword,” which meant executions could be carried out there. At least one Christian had died because of his faith (Revelation 2:13), and the letter from Jesus twice says the city is “where Satan lives” (Revelation 2:12, 13). The dramatic columns on top of the acropolis are from the Temple to Trajan. Emperor worship was at its height when Pergamon received this letter. Of the seven communities that received letters in Revelation 2-3, the most dramatic footage comes from Ephesus, Pergamon, and Laodicea. Modern cities have covered most of the ruins from the other four cities.