Brief Overview of Ἀττάλεια (G825: Attálea)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Attálea

Root Words: The Greek word Ἀττάλεια (Attálea) is a proper noun and refers to a specific place name. It is derived from the name of the Attalid dynasty, a ruling family of Pergamum in Asia Minor.

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Primary Meanings:

• Attalea: A city or region named Attalea. In the context of ancient Greek geography, Attalea is a city in Pamphylia, located on the southern coast of Asia Minor, known for its strategic location and historical significance.
• Pergamum Influence: The name reflects the influence of the Attalid dynasty, which had a considerable impact on the region.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG does not provide extensive details on Ἀττάλεια but indicates it as a geographic name related to a city in Pamphylia. The entry confirms its association with the Attalid dynasty and its historical context in Asia Minor.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon refers to Ἀττάλεια as the name of a city in Pamphylia. It does not delve deeply into its historical or political significance.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary provides minimal information on Ἀττάλεια, primarily acknowledging it as a geographical location without further elaboration.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon confirms Ἀττάλεια as a place name, noting its location in the region of Pamphylia and its connection to the Attalid dynasty.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies Ἀττάλεια as a city in Pamphylia but does not offer additional historical or geographical details.

Bible Verses:

• Revelation 2:13 (KJV): “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”
• Ἀττάλεια is mentioned in relation to the cities of Asia Minor, with emphasis on the region’s historical context.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Strabo: The geographer Strabo refers to Attalea in his work Geography, detailing its location and significance in the region of Pamphylia.
• Pausanias: In his Description of Greece, Pausanias mentions cities and regions influenced by the Attalid dynasty, including Attalea.
• Pliny the Elder: Pliny’s Natural History includes references to various locations in Asia Minor, including Attalea, noting their geographical and political relevance.

4. Summary:

Ἀττάλεια (Attálea) is a Greek proper noun referring to a city in Pamphylia, Asia Minor, named after the Attalid dynasty. While classical sources confirm its geographical location and influence, detailed information about its historical role is sparse. The city is noted in biblical texts, highlighting its relevance in the context of Asia Minor’s geography and history. Understanding Ἀττάλεια provides insight into the region’s historical landscape and the impact of the Attalid dynasty.