Attalus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Attalus in the Bible?
Attalus, king of Pergamum, is listed in 1 Maccabees 15:22 as one of the foreign monarchs to whom the Roman Senate sent a letter instructing them to cease persecuting the Jewish people and to respect their treaties.
SIGNIFICANCE
This reference demonstrates the diplomatic reach of the Roman Republic and its policy of supporting Jewish autonomy, providing historical context for the political alliances described in the Maccabean narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Attalus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Attalus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Attalus clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Attalus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/attalus/