We approach Pergamon through the Heroon (hero cult) shrine flanking its walls.

Pergamum existed at least from the 5th century BC, but it became important around 332 to 300 BC, when it served as the residence of the Attalid dynasty. Their fortress and palace stood on the peak of the hill, overlooking the town below. According to mythology it was foretold that when the King Aleus' daughter married one of her children would be dangerous to the king. To prevent any such problem the king has his daughter become a nun but, alas, she becomes pregnant by Heracles during one of his visits. King Aleus locks his daughter into a ship to isolate her in the middle of the Aegean Sea. But the ship goes adrift and the poor daughter (Auge) is found by the king of Mysia who first adopts her and later takes her into his harem. Ague gives birth to Heracles child and abandons him in the forest where none other than Heracles himself finds the child and names him Telephos.

Telephos of course grows up, comes to Greece and kills both of the sons of Aleus fulfilling the fortune told for him. He then participates in the Trojan wars and after the war becomes the King of Mysia and establishes the first settlement in Pergamon