Pergamum: Library

Pergamum had one of the world’s foremost libraries. Second in size only to the library at Alexandria in Egypt, Pergamum’s library was said to have had 200,000 volumes. The size and quality of the collection was enhanced by the use of parchment, a leather writing material that was developed at Pergamum.

The statue of Athena, shown at the right, stood in the reading room of the library. The location was fitting since Athena was a goddess associated with wisdom. The sanctuary of Athena was located beside the library.