Pergamon (or Pergamum as many spell it) is the last congregation of the book of Revelation on our road trip. The people of this city were once the “Temple-keepers of Asia.” Hence the city has 5 major temples for different purposes. So we wondered, ‘Which of these was considered the infamous “throne of Satan?”‘
But before I get into this, I must admit that there is much controversy as to exactly which temple there corresponds to this throne. On our tour we noticed that of the 5 large temples erected here, there is no clearcut answer. After all, Jesus did not specify. But there is a key clue to determine which one it likely was, and it’s in a Bible verse.
Here is the text from the New World Translation.
12 “To the angel of the congregation in Pergamum write: These are the things that he says who has the sharp, long, two-edged sword: 13 ‘I know where you are dwelling, that is, where the throne of Satan is; and yet you keep holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed by your side, where Satan is dwelling.
Revelation 2:12, 13 – New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
Historians put forth two possibilities with good reasons to back it up. But I think you will find one in particular more convincing, especially because it more closely matches with what the Bible says. First though, let’s look at the most popular option and see why historians consider it the infamous ‘throne of Satan’.
First Possibility – The Temple of Zeus
This is by far the most popular opinion. Here is a picture as it looked when we visited in 2020.
If you look to the background you will see that it is overlooking a valley. It sits on the edge of a mountain. This strategic position adds to it’s prominence. The photo also shows that there is not much left besides the base. That is because the Germans took it in 1878 to a museum in Berlin.
Here is the altar in Berlin.
Why do people choose this as the throne of Satan mentioned in Revelation? For three reasons. I list each and state why it is not convincing.
1. It’s sheer size.
It is immense in comparison with other altars. Moreover, it sits prominently on the edge of a mountain. This would make it outstanding to anyone who viewed the city from below or on top.
- Why this reason is not convincing – It is not reasonable to assume that size is a determining factor. In fact, there were bigger altars and temples in the ancient world. Moreover the reference that Jesus made related to the spirit realm. A stone structure cannot literally be Satan’s throne.
2. Pergamum was the bridge of religion between Babylon and Rome.
One historian states, “The defeated Chaldeans fled to Asia Minor and fixed their central college at Pergamos.”
- Why this reason is unlikely – John’s wrote his letter in AD 96. Pergamum was by no means the center of false religion in the ancient world at the time of his writing. There were far more prominent religious centers of worship.
3. Human sacrifices took place on it inside a bull.
This was a torture and execution device that the Romans allegedly used. It was a hollow bull. Inside the bull they would put human sacrifices. They would then use it to roast someone alive.
- Why this is unlikely – Historians cast doubt on this fable. There is no evidence that such a device existed. Nonetheless, you will find such depictions all over the internet. In fact the death of Antipas mentioned by Jesus was more connected with the issue of sovreignty. More on that later.
Second Possibility – Emperor Worship
Emperor worship is the more likely candidate that harmonizes more with Jesus words. Why can we say this?
Remember that Jesus said, “Even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed by your side, where Satan is dwelling.” On numerous occasions Satan is referred to as the ruler of this world in the Bible. The expression ‘throne of Satan’ is much more than a pile of stones. The use of the word “throne” means that this throne describes rulership.
Therefore the more likely candidate has to do with rulership that aligns with Satan’s. Antipas is called a ‘faithful witness’ in the same sentence. Therefore he must have had his neutrality challenged. He no doubt maintained his neutrality and refused to submit to emperor worship. Therefore the more likely altar according to scripture is not a physical temple, but a place where emperor worship took place.
Pergamum had the designation Neokoron by the Roman empire. (See article about Philadelphia for more explanation). Here is a stone from Pergamon confirming this.
This word Neokoron, designated Pergamon as a center for emperor worship. In fact it was the first such city in Asia to receive this designation. It made the city a center for worshipping the emperor. But more than that, emperor worship required the citizens to address the emperor as the ‘Son of the Most High’. To maintain their allegiance to God’s kindom, Christians could obviously not do this.
A Conflict for Christians
This conflict of interest was an obvious allegiance with the ruler of this world, Satan. As a Christian, Antipas would not compromise. He was thus likely killed for this. Since Jesus mentions the martyrdom of Antipas in the same breath as the throne of Satan, this conclusion harmonizes more with the Bible text and agrees with the same conclusion made here.
So my advice? Skip to the more popular ‘throne of Satan’ when visiting Pergamum. Worship of the Emperor was a far greater threat to Christianity in this city and though built shortly after John’s letter, the temple of Trajan symbolizes that reality.
Other things worth seeing in Pergamon
1. The steepest theatre in the ancient Roman world
The theater has 78 rows and seats about 10,000 people. Situated on the side of the hill on which Pergamon stands, it is the steepest construction of the ancient world*. It also has a breath-taking view of the modern city and valley below.
2. The Hospital of Pergamon
Here is another interesting object, though it is about 2 miles outside the city. It is at the ancient Sanctuary of Asclepius (also called the Asclepieion). It was an ancient hospital for healing. But what is most interersting is the method of healing.
Another symbol was a staff with two snakes around it. This was the rod of Asceplion. He wielded it to heal people. This is a symbol that is still in use today.
After the patient would tell the priest about the appearance of Asklepios in a dream, the priest would make that body part from clay. Then the priest would offer up that clay body part to the god Asklepios. Obviously Christians had to stay far away from this.
3. The Library of Pergamon
4. The Temple of Serapus
Why would another temple be significant? This was filled with Egyptian gods. But it was later converted to a place of worship for Christians in the second century*. I have no references to back this up, but this could be the earliest permanent structure used by Christians as a place of worship. Today it is known as the Red Basilica*.
We have one more congregation of Revelation to visit, and that is Thyatira. Please enjoy the previous 5 congregations we visited. Hope you enjoy them.
SARDIS, TURKEY – 3 INTERESTING CONNECTIONS TO THE BIBLE
PHILADELPHIA, TURKEY | 3 THINGS YOU MUST SEE
LAODICEA, TURKEY | THREE INTERESTING FINDS
SMYRNA, TURKEY – PICTURES OF AN ANCIENT CITY
EPHESUS – VALUABLE BIBLE CONNECTIONS TO THE ANCIENT CITY
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