Temple of Trajan 1

Temple of Trajan 1

View looking southwest at the northern portion of the Temple of Trajan (Roman Emperor A.D. 98–117). This temple was built by his successor Hadrian (A.D. 117–138) as a place where the deified emperor could be worshiped.

Pergamum was the first city of the Province of Asia to be allowed to build a temple for the cult of the emperor. This permission (honor) was granted to the city to honor Augustus (27 B.C. – A.D. 14) and the temple was dedicated in 29 B.C. To date, the Augustus Temple has not been found, but since the days of Augustus emperor worship was prominent at Pergamum. Both Christians and Jews had great difficulties with this cult, for they both believed in worshiping only one true deity.

The German excavation team has excavated and reconstructed significant portions of this temple.

For a map and a brief description of Pergamum Click Here.