PERGA

Greek Perge, modern Murtina, or Murtana ancient city of Pamphylia, (in modern Antalya il [province], Turkey). It was a centre of native culture and was a seat of the worship of "Queen" Artemis, a purely Anatolian nature goddess. In Perga the apostles Paul and Barnabas began their first mission in Anatolia (Acts of the Apostles 13:13). A difficult mountain route into Phrygia began at Perga, and Alexander the Great used it for his invasion of the interior. Long the chief city of the district of Pamphylia Secunda, Perga was superseded in Byzantine times by its port, Attaleia, which became a metropolis in 1084. The most notable remains at Perga include a theatre, a stadium, two basilicas, and the agora. Pop. (latest census) 491.