Pergamos Ancient City

Pergamos (Πέργαμος) was a city of ancient Crete, founded in the 8th century BC. It was one of the hundred cities of Crete mentioned by Homer in his works. It was situated in the northern part of the island, in an area of exceptional natural beauty. The city was built on two adjacent hills, which were fortified with strong walls. Pergamos had a small port, which was used for trade and fishing.

History of the City

According to tradition, the city was founded by Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, or by Aeneas, the hero of the Trojan War. The city was named after the citadel of Troy, or after the city of Pergamum in Asia Minor. The city was inhabited by Dorians, who were among the first Greek tribes to settle in Crete.

The city flourished in the Archaic and Classical periods, and it was a member of the Cretan League. It was destroyed by the Romans in 67 BC, but it was later rebuilt. The city continued to be inhabited until the Byzantine period.

Archaeological Finds

The ruins of Pergamos were discovered in the 19th century. Excavations have revealed the remains of the city walls, houses, temples, and other public buildings. A number of important artifacts have been found, including coins, pottery, and inscriptions.

Location of the City

The exact location of Pergamos is unknown, but it is believed to have been located near the modern village of Vrises, in the prefecture of Chania. The city was built on two adjacent hills, which were fortified with strong walls. The city had a small port, which was used for trade and fishing.

The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty. There are a number of gorges, caves, and springs in the area. The most famous of these is the Katsonas Gorge, which is mentioned by Herodotus as the “Xenios Road”. The gorge is about one kilometer long and it leads to the entrance of the ancient city.

Current Status

The archaeological site of Pergamos is not well preserved. The ruins of the city are scattered over a wide area and they are overgrown with vegetation. However, the site is still of great historical and archaeological importance.

The site is currently being developed as a cultural park. The aim of the project is to protect the archaeological remains and to make them accessible to the public. The park will also include a museum, which will display the artifacts that have been found at the site.

Site: Key Points

• Construction Period: 8th century BC
• Location: Near the modern village of Vrises, in the prefecture of Chania, Crete
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Historical Significance: A member of the Cretan League, destroyed by the Romans in 67 BC, rebuilt and inhabited until the Byzantine period
• Current Status: Archaeological site, not well preserved, being developed as a cultural park

References

• Vasilakis, Antonis Thomas. 2009. “The 147 Cities of Ancient Crete”. Kentro Kρητικης Λογοτεχνιας.
• Stampolidis, Nicholas Chr, Tsangari, Dimitra I, Giannopoulou, Mimika. 2019. “Cretan Cities the Testimony of Coins”. Alpha Bank.
• Τζανακάκη, ΚΑΤΕΡΙΝΑ. 2019. “Ancient Cities of Westernmost Crete (Prefecture of Chania)”. Alpha Bank.