Eumenes II
Eumenes II was the king of Pergamum, having ascended to the throne in 197 BCE after his father, Attalus I. His reign was marked by significant geopolitical challenges, particularly from Philip V of Macedonia and Antiochus the Great of Syria. Eumenes maintained a strategic alliance with Rome, which proved beneficial as he supported the Romans against Antiochus and later helped them defeat the last Macedonian king, Perseus. As a reward for his loyalty, Eumenes II received territories in Seleucid Asia Minor, a sizable elephant corps, and substantial financial resources, transforming Pergamum into a strong and wealthy kingdom in Asia Minor.
Eumenes II also focused on internal development through economic reforms and ambitious construction projects. Notably, he commissioned the Great Altar of Zeus, an architectural marvel featuring a frieze that narrates the battle between gods and giants, symbolizing the victories of the Attalid dynasty over their foes. His reign is often recognized for the cultural and artistic advancements that occurred during this period, solidifying Pergamum's status as a significant center of power and influence in the ancient world.
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Eumenes II
Related civilization: Hellenistic Greece
Major role/position: Ruler
Life
Eumenes II (YEW-muh-neez) inherited the kingship of Pergamum from his father, Attalus I, in 197 b.c.e. On his accession, Eumenes was faced by threats from Philip V of Macedonia to his west and Antiochus the Great of Syria to his south. By this time, Rome had become the dominating power in the Greek world, and Eumenes’ policy of friendship with Rome paid off handsomely. For his support of the Romans against Antiochus in 192 b.c.e. and then at the Battle of Magnesia ad Sipylum in 189 b.c.e., he was rewarded with parts of Seleucid Asia Minor and the Thracian Chersonese, a substantial elephant corps, and a large monetary sum. Pergamum suddenly became a strong and rich kingdom in Asia Minor. Eumenes continued his friendship with Rome, although his power excited suspicion, and helped Rome defeat the last Macedonian king, Perseus, in 168 b.c.e.
Eumenes introduced economic reforms, increased the size of the city, and inaugurated a building program. The Great Altar of Zeus at Pergamum (180-175 b.c.e.), with its frieze depicting battle between the gods and giants to symbolize the Attalids’ victories over the Gauls, was a product of his reign.
Influence
Under Eumenes II, Pergamum became a powerful and rich kingdom. The Great Altar of Zeus, which he commissioned, is one of the marvels of ancient art.
Bibliography
Allen, R. E. The Attalid Kingdom: A Constitutional History. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1983.
Green, Peter. Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age. Reprint. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993.