Pergamus
/ˈpɜːrɡəməs/noun
An ancient Latin name for Pergamum, the fortified Greek city in western Anatolia, or a Latinized form of its name.
Did you know?Pergamum was renowned for its monumental altar to Zeus and its temple of Athena, while its name is commonly connected with an ancient root meaning “high” or “fortified height.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bherǵʰ-
“High, elevated, or fortified place”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Πέργαμον (Pérgamon)
“Citadel, fortress, or high stronghold”
Hellenistic Period
Greek
Πέργαμος (Pérgamos)
“Pergamum, the powerful hilltop city in Mysia”
Roman Period
Latin
Pergamum / Pergamus
“Latin forms referring to the city of Pergamum”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Pergamus
“A Latin proper name for Pergamum in historical and literary usage”
Modern English
English
Pergamum
“The ancient city in present-day western Turkey, also called Bergama”