Perperikon’s Ancient Name Discovered: Archaeologists Say It Was Known as 'Pergam'

Archaeologists have discovered the ancient name of Perperikon. It was called “Pergam” as early as ancient times, a fact confirmed by the works of the Roman geographer Claudius Ptolemy.

• The latest discoveries from the Perperikon excavations (PHOTOS)

In the 2nd century, the scholar produced geographical maps marking a city of that name in the area around the middle reaches of the Arda River. The discovery was announced by the head of the archaeological excavations at the rock city on the final day of this year’s archaeological season.

He explained that he had first put forward the hypothesis about Perperikon’s ancient name 20 years ago. It is now supported both by the major discoveries at the site and by new research into ancient maps.

Prof. Nikolay Ovcharov: “All these maps show a city located in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, as I am referring to the maps, called ‘Pergam’ or ‘Pergamon’. We now know for certain that there is no larger city than Perperikon — and my colleagues will confirm this — not only in the Eastern Rhodopes, but anywhere in the Rhodope Mountains.”