Philadelphia: Difference between revisions

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'''Philadelphia''' (Greek: Φιλαδέλφεια, meaning: "brotherly love") (the modern “Alasehir” or  "Ala-Shehr" in Turkey) is the sixth city mentioned in the Book of Revelation to receive a message from Jesus Christ.  Philadelphia was established in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon.  Eumenes II named the city for the love he had for his brother, Attalus II, who was loyal to Eumenes II and would follow as his successor.   

Lacking an heir, Attalus III Philometer, the last of the Attalid kings of Pergamum, bequeathed his kingdom, including Philadelphia, to his Roman allies when he died in 133 BC. Rome set up the province of Asia in 129 BC by combining Ionia and the former Kingdom of Pergamum.  Under Vespasian’s rule (69-79 AD), Philadelphia's name was changed to “Flavia”. By the third century, paganism had held on in the face of a Christianizing Empire, and the city became known as “little Athens” on account of its festivals and variety of temples.