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Coin of Attalus I (241-197 BC)
Attalus I (Soter) (241 BC-197 BC) was the father of the Attalid dynasty,
which ruled Pergamum until 129 BC (though some histories say the Attalids began with
Eumenes I). He began a tradition of
fair and generous rule which ended only with the end of his line.
The Attalid dynasty were among the most loyal supporters of Rome
among the Hellenistic successor states. For support against the Seleucids, the
Attalids were rewarded with all the former Seleucid domains in Asia Minor. When
Attalus III died without an heir in 133 BC, he bequeathed his land (including
Pergamum) to Rome, hoping to prevent a civil war. There was an uprising all the
same, but it was quickly put down, and the territory divided.
Under the Attalids, Pergamum developed parchment -- the first real substitute
for papyrus, which was in dwindling supply.
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