This volume investigates the history of Pergamum, examining its trajectory from a Hellenistic kingdom to a prosperous Roman province. The book details Pergamum's emergence from the post-Alexander instability, its rise as a wealthy Mediterranean state, and its eventual incorporation into the Roman Empire. It further explores the impact of Roman civil wars on Asia Minor and Pergamum's subsequent recovery and cultural flourishing under Augustus. The narrative focuses on the Attalid dynasty's patronage of the arts and their embellishment of the capital, as well as the influence on other cities like Ephesus and Miletus, spanning the period from the late Third Century BCE to the Second Century CE.

The book is presented as a comprehensive survey of Pergamum's history, focusing on its political and economic development from the Hellenistic period through its integration into the Roman Empire. The description highlights the Attalid dynasty's significant contributions to art and culture, suggesting a detailed exploration of the city's material and intellectual life. The scope covers a substantial chronological span, indicating a thorough academic treatment of the subject matter.