Joyce's Photos of Pergamos

Pergamus (also known as Pergamum, but currently known as Bergama, Bergamo, or Bergamum) was one of the seven churches of Revelation (it was the third church--it was immediately after Smyrna).

Pergamos had important temples to Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Æsculpius.

Joyce and I visited Pergamos in 1990 as part of a Feast of Tabernacles' trip. The 2006 photos are actually taken of slide photos we took back then.

The following links are to photographs taken and/or directed by Joyce Thiel. All materials are copyrighted and all photographs are copyrighted by Joyce Thiel (c) 2006, All Rights Reserved:

Ancient Pergamos from a Distance - This is a distance shot of ancient Pergamos.

Ancient Pergamos - Here are two photos of ancient Pergamos.

Amphitheater of Pergamos - This is a photo of the ancient amphitheater in Pergamos.

Here is what Revelation 2:12-17 teaches about Pergamos:

12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' (NKJV).

Smith's Bible Dictionary notes, "It is called "Satan's seat" by John, which some suppose to refer to the worship of Æsculpius, from the serpent being his characteristic emblem. Others refer it to the persecution of Christians which was the work of Satan" (p.500).

Interestingly, when we visited the Vatican in 1988, a WCG minister said that Joseph Tkach Sr. had earlier stated that a particular seat in St. Peter's Basilica, called the chair of St. Peter, was actually Satan's throne (see photos of Rome). Additionally, notice the article Is this Satan's Throne?

More information on Pergamos can be found in the articles The Pergamos Church and The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Matter?

COGwriter 2006 2012

Back to early Christianity page

Back to home page