Pergamum
/ˈpɜːr.ɡə.məm/noun
A parchment or parchment-like material, named after Pergamum, the ancient city associated with its production; it can also refer to the city itself.
Did you know?Ancient tradition says Pergamum developed or popularized parchment when Egypt restricted papyrus exports, though parchment was likely used in the Near East long before.
Etymological Timeline
2nd millennium BCE or earlier
Pre-Greek
Pergamon
“Ancient place-name of uncertain, probably pre-Greek origin”
5th–4th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Πέργαμον (Pérgamon)
“Pergamum, the fortified ancient city in Mysia, Asia Minor”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
pergamēnum / pergamēna
“Parchment, literally material associated with Pergamum”
9th–12th Century
Late Latin / Old French
pergamen
“Parchment or writing material made from prepared animal skin”
12th–14th Century
Middle English
pergamen
“Parchment; a durable surface for writing”
Modern English
English
pergamum
“A rare term for parchment or parchment-like material; also the English name of the ancient city”
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