In 150 BC, Attalus II Philadelphus, the king of Pergamum, founded a new city in his name, showing his great ambition to expand his kingdom. Attalia's ideal position, which according to archaeological evidence had already been inhabited in the past, served as the base for the royal navy and a trading post. Legends say that the aim of King Attalus II was to build a city in the most beautiful place on earth. For this reason he sent his courtiers to find this beautiful location, this Eden - and the rest is history: the King fell in love with the region and Attalia was founded. As Attalus had no successors, he granted his entire kingdom to the Roman Empire in his will. So in 133 BC, Attalia became a Roman province.