The Attalids of Pergamon and Anatolia: Money, Culture, and State Power

The Attalid Empire's impact on the Greek polis and the multicultural nature of their propaganda is reevaluated in this study, which combines new epigraphic, archaeological, and numismatic discoveries to present the kingdom from the inside. The Pergamene way of governing was non-coercive and efficient.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Rise of the Attalids of Pergamon: A Comprehensive Study

Historians have long been intrigued by the remarkable ascent of the Attalids of Pergamon after 188 BCE. The Roman-brokered Settlement of Apameia presented a new map, a fragile framework for sovereignty in Anatolia and the eastern Aegean. How did the Attalids transform this map into a reality and leave an indelible Pergamene imprint on our Classical imagination? In this groundbreaking study, Noah Kaye reevaluates the impact of Attalid imperialism on the Greek polis and the multicultural character of the dynasty's notorious propaganda. By synthesizing new findings in epigraphy, archaeology, and numismatics, Kaye offers a unique perspective on the kingdom, revealing it for the first time from the inside.

The Pergamene way of ruling was a distinctively non-coercive and efficient means of taxing and winning loyalty. Royal tax collectors collaborated closely with city and village officials on budgets and minting, while the kings radically transformed the civic space of the gymnasium. This collaboration between the royal court and local authorities facilitated the efficient collection of taxes and the cultivation of loyalty among the populace.

Furthermore, the Attalids implemented a series of administrative and economic reforms that further solidified their rule. They established a centralized bureaucracy, which streamlined government operations and facilitated communication between different regions. They also promoted trade and commerce by establishing ports and trading networks throughout the empire. These reforms not only increased the kingdom's economic prosperity but also helped to establish Pergamon as a major center of commerce and culture.

The Attalids' multicultural character is another notable aspect of their rule. They embraced a diverse range of cultures and traditions, which contributed to the richness and diversity of the kingdom. They encouraged the spread of Greek culture and language, but also welcomed and assimilated other ethnic groups and religions. This multiculturalism not only enriched the kingdom but also helped to create a sense of unity and cohesion among its diverse population.

In conclusion, the rise of the Attalids of Pergamon after 188 BCE is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive understanding. By reevaluating the impact of Attalid imperialism on the Greek polis and the multicultural character of the dynasty's propaganda, Noah Kaye has provided a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period. His study demonstrates the non-coercive and efficient means of ruling employed by the Attalids, as well as their commitment to promoting trade and commerce and fostering a sense of unity and cohesion among their diverse population. The Pergamene way of ruling remains an important model for contemporary rulers seeking to establish sustainable and prosperous empires.

Weight: 886g
Dimension: 229 x 283 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316510599