Pergamon
/ˈpɜːr.ɡə.mən/noun
An ancient Greek city in Asia Minor, famous for its culture, library, and monumental architecture.
Did you know?Pergamon gave its name to parchment in many languages because the city became so associated with refined writing material that its very name entered the story of books.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πέργαμον / Πέργαμος
“The name of an ancient city and its surrounding settlement in Asia Minor.”
Hellenistic Period
Greek
Πέργαμον
“A major royal and cultural center under the Attalid dynasty.”
Latin
Latin
Pergamum
“The Latin form of the city’s name, used by Roman writers.”
Late Latin / Medieval
Late Latin
pergamenum
“Parchment, especially writing material associated with Pergamon.”
Old French
French
parchemin
“Parchment; a prepared animal skin used for writing.”
Modern English
English
parchment
“A writing material made from specially prepared animal skin.”
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