attalus

Attalus is a Greek personal name (often transliterated Attalos) used by several rulers of the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon in western Asia Minor during the Hellenistic period. The Attalids ruled from roughly the 3rd century BCE and created a culturally rich kingdom that became a major center of Greek art and learning. The name is best known from three rulers who bore it.

Attalus I Soter (reigned circa 241–197 BCE) established the prominence of Pergamon, expanded its territory and influence, and earned the epithet Soter after defeating the Galatians. His reign solidified the Attalid state as a regional power.

Attalus II Philadelphus (reigned circa 159–138 BCE) continued the dynasty’s growth and patronage of the arts and institutions, including libraries and cultural projects that promoted Pergamon as a center of learning within the Hellenistic world.

Attalus III Philometor (reigned circa 138–133 BCE) was the last Attalid ruler. He died without an heir and bequeathed Pergamon to the Roman Republic, leading to the incorporation of the kingdom into the Roman province of Asia.

The Attalid dynasty left a lasting cultural legacy through architecture, sculpture, and library culture, with Pergamon becoming a symbol of Hellenistic urban development. The name Attalus is also encountered in ancient literary and inscriptional sources as a royal designation.