Attalid

/ˈætəlɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the Attalid dynasty, a Hellenistic royal family that ruled the kingdom of Pergamon in ancient Asia Minor.

Etymology

From Attalus (Greek king) + -id suffix (meaning 'descendant of'). The Attalid dynasty was named after Attalus I, who founded their prominence around 240 BCE.

Kelly Says

The Attalids were ancient history's ultimate patrons of culture—they basically invented the library (copying strategy at Pergamon to rival Alexandria) and gave their entire kingdom to Rome when the last king died without an heir, reshaping Mediterranean politics forever.

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