Abstract: The article discusses the contacts between the kings of Pergamon and the Greek states of the Aegean Islands. The problem should be considered both in the context of the Attalids’ situation in Asia Minor and their policy in the Aegean as well as in the broader context of their policy concerning Greek poleis. Philhellenism, euergetism, and cultural patronage became an important part of the dynasty's propaganda, and in the case of the Aegean Islands Delos became the centre of such activities. An important aspect of the Attalids’ political activity was war, and their participation in confl icts in the Aegean world and continental Greece was very active. This activity had to awaken the Attalids’ interest in the Aegean Islands both for strategic reasons and as a place for recruiting mercenaries for their army and navy. Therefore, we cannot explain all the activities undertaken by the kings of Pergamon in the Aegean Sea only in terms of propaganda and building their image. Attalos I entered the stage of great politics, exceeding the local problems of Asia Minor. He managed to mark his presence in the Aegean and win bases on the islands which could work as footholds for further political activity in the Greek and Macedonian world.

Key words: Attalids, Aegean Sea, Aegean Islands.

The Aegean Sea region was the heart of the Hellenistic world. This was where the interests of powerful states focused; the Greek cities located there were a reservoir of personnel and a military supply base. As a result, the region became the object of rivalry among all the prominent states at the time, and Hellenistic kings attached so much importance to emphasising their presence in this area. The world of the island poleis played a substantial role in these political games. The Aegean Islands became the focus of interest of the most powerful states in the world at the time and an important arena where their interests clashed. Almost the entire third century was dominated by the rivalry between the Lagids and the Antigonids, but other states were also active in the area, including the Kingdom of Pergamon under Attalid rule.