Eumenes II (redirected from Eumenes of Pergamon)

Eumenes II, fl. 2d cent. B.C., son of Attalus I, king of Pergamum (197–159 B.C.). He managed to expand the wealth and prestige of his state by maintaining an allegiance with Rome for much of his reign. For his assistance in the Roman victory over Antiochus III of Syria, he received all of Antiochus's possessions as far as Taurus. He fell out of favor, however, during the Roman war with Macedonia, because he was suspected of plotting with the enemy. Only his death prevented a war between Pergamum and Rome. A vigorous ruler and an adept politician, Eumenes II helped make Pergamum an important cultural center, which included a library that was second only to that of Alexandria.

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Eumenes II

(died 160/159 BC) King of Pergamum (197 BC–c. 160). He continued the policy of his father, Attalus I Soter, of cooperation with Rome. He helped defeat Antiochus III, thus enlarging his realm. He brought his kingdom to its height and made it a great centre of Greek culture; in particular, he is credited with constructing nearly all the public buildings and sculpture on the Pergamum acropolis. He was suspected of disloyalty in the Roman struggle against Perseus; Rome subsequently withdrew its support, and Eumenes's power and the glory of Pergamum declined. His brother Attalus II became coruler c. 160 BC.