Apollonis of Cyzicus
Apollonis (Greek Ἀπολλωνίς Apollōnís) was the wife of Attalus I, the first ruler of Pergamon (now Bergama, Turkey). The dates of her birth and death are unclear; scholars estimate that she was born around 240 BCE., while estimating her death as any time between 175 and 159 BCE. Apollonis outlived her husband, who was approximately 30 years older than her, by many years.
Born in Cyzicus (an independent city-state) to an elite/rich but plebeian (demotes; δημότις) family, Apollonis married Attalus around 223 BCE. The lack of noble blood was likely not an area of contention, considering the Attalids’ own plebeian/commoner origins. She was given the title of basilissa (Βασίλισσα) upon her marriage, recognizing her newfound status and reinforcing the prestige and legitimacy of the Attalid dynasty.
Apollonis gave birth to four sons (in order: Eumenes 222/1, Attalus, Philetairos and Athenaios). She was praised for this “exemplary” fertility and her motherhood was thereafter stressed as a fundamental part of her identity, as family virtues were for the whole of the Attalid dynasty. Upon the death of Attalus I in 197 BCE, she remained an influential part of the household in her widowhood, as she was the only woman of authority for many years and saw to her relatively-young sons’ education. The brothers were recognised as the sons of not only Attalus I, but Apollonis as well, in the letters, decrees, and inscriptions of allied cities throughout the kingdom, in a departure from the normal patriarchal Hellenistic tradition.
Her main project in life was the expansion of the Sanctuary to Demeter at Pergamon, which was likely made in honour of the birth of her sons and expanded upon the smaller original by Attalus’ ancestor, Philetairos through her own dowry funds. She immortalizes herself by including her name on the inscription on the entrance, a prominent place that all visitors would see, which reads: “Queen Apollonis dedicates these stoas and these structures as a thank-offering to Demeter and Kore Thesmophoros.” In financing a place where primarily large amounts of women would gather, she would create a strong sense of gratitude and loyalty towards herself.