Roman Arch in the remains of the ancient site of Pergamon, Turkey.

Nestled in Shkodër, Albania, the Ruins of Rozafa Castle and Fortress stand as a testament to history, perched dramatically between the Buna and Drin rivers. This ancient stronghold, overlooking one of Albania’s oldest and most significant cultural and economic centers, whispers tales of bygone eras. Nearby, St. Stephan Church adds a spiritual layer to the landscape, its weathered stones echoing centuries of devotion. Walking through these ruins, I felt transported to a time when fortresses guarded thriving communities, each stone a silent witness to battles and resilience. Shkodër’s historic charm captivated me, blending natural beauty with cultural depth, making it a hidden gem for any history enthusiast.

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Yet, my journey through ancient civilizations didn’t stop there. My imagination wandered to the ancient city of Pergamon, a must-visit destination in western Turkey, 26 kilometers from the Aegean Sea, northwest of modern Bergama in Izmir province. Founded in the third century B.C. as the capital of the Attalid dynasty, Pergamon—also known as Pergamum—emerged as a beacon of Hellenistic culture. Discovered in the 1870s by German engineer Carl Humann, its remains unveil a city of grandeur. I envisioned standing before its amphitheater, once seating 50,000, and its theater for 30,000, marveling at the ingenuity of ancient architects. The steepest of all ancient theaters, Pergamon’s 78-row structure, rising 36 meters, with walkways and stairways dividing the koilon, must have been a breathtaking sight for performances under the open sky.

What truly stirred my awe was Pergamon’s Library, the second largest in the ancient Greek world after Alexandria, housing over 200,000 scrolls. Built by Eumenes II between 220 B.C. and 159 B.C. at the Acropolis’ northern end, it rivaled the era’s greatest intellectual hubs. Though its exact location remains uncertain, I pictured its four rooms, the main reading hall lined with shelves, a 3-meter statue of Athena at its heart, mirroring the Parthenon’s iconic figure. This library wasn’t just a repository of knowledge; it was a symbol of Pergamon’s cultural might, drawing scholars from across the ancient world.

Beyond its cultural feats, Pergamon pioneered healthcare as home to the first hospital, a reminder of its forward-thinking spirit. Today, only remnants like Viran Kapı, the Ruined Gate of the theater, survive, yet they evoke the city’s past glory. Walking an imagined path through Pergamon, I felt the weight of history—each ruin a story of innovation, artistry, and human endeavor. From Shkodër’s medieval fortress to Pergamon’s Hellenistic marvels, these ancient sites connect us to our roots, urging us to preserve and learn from the past. Their enduring allure lies in their ability to bridge millennia, inviting us to ponder how ancient lives shaped our modern world.