The Entrance Of Temple A

Laodicea was a prosperous city, a centre of commerce, culture, art and sports,

Textile trade was the primary source of income; marble, grain, and livestock were essential to its economy. However, this is also the location of the Laodicean church. The Laodicean church is the seventh church in the book of Revelation.

Laodicea is located in an area with a lot of earthquake activity.

It has known several earthquakes over time. One earthquake in 494 AD destroyed the town. Laodicea only partly recovered from that. The city was abandoned by its population after the earthquake that happened during the reign of Focas (602 to 610 AD), which damaged the water supply coming from the Başpınar spring.

Detail Of The Pavement Of The Syrian Road

The Syrian Road takes you past houses, Temple A, some fountains, and the Central Agora.

See higher on this page the Duodecim Scripta tablet, an Avant la Lettre game board. The predecessor of Backgammon?

It is a beautiful walk starting from the Byzantine Gate and towers built in 395 AD. It completed the defence wall around the city. Original materials were used for the restoration.

An extensive restoration took place, 19 columns were re-erected.

Also, the stairway and the doorway were rebuilt.

A large glass terrace is open to the public and gives a view of the interior below.

Temple A

The Corner Columns Give Away A Tip Of How Impressive The Temple Once Was.

A Beautiful Play Of Light At The North Agora

North Or Sacred Agora

On the opposite side of the Septimius Severus Nymphaeum, two Propylons lead to the north or Sacred Agora.

The Central Propylon has a double-wing doorway with a console above it and three postaments on both sides.

Four steps will take you from the Propylon to the North Agora. This place used to be Temenos or the Holy Court during the Roman Empire. It became an Agora in the 4th century.

This is a letter from the apostle John to the Laodicean church. It is on display in the church:

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:14-22)

The letter refers to the city’s notorious wealth. And, of all the letters sent to the Seven Churches in Asia, this is the only one without a single word of thanks. Next to the letter of the Apostle John is an overview of the canons established by the Laodikeia Council to clarify questions about interpretation, ceremonies, and canon law. Quite inspiring reading material!

Church Of Laodicea

Laodicea Church was built in 313 AD during Constantine The Great was in power.

We know the church is the most famous church of the seven revelations.

Laodicea Church was not recognised until 2010, after which it was fully excavated the same year.

The chapel has a layout with 11 apse-like niches.

The naos is a three-aisle basilica, with north and south aisles paved with mosaics.

The baptistry was laid in opus sectile.

North Theatre

The North Theatre was built in the 2nd century AD to cope with the city’s increasing population, and it made the West Theatre unable to meet the demand for theatre seats.

The North Theatre, which can accommodate 12,000 people, faces Hierapolis, and the white travertines of Pamukkale can be seen from the observation deck. This theatre was used until the 7th century and has not been restored.

From the 7th century until the nineties, it was used as a quarry, and lime kiln, just like was the West Theatre.

The Stadium Road

The Stadium Road leads to the city stadium. It will take you past the latrines, the porch of Ephesus Street, more Nymphaea, several public buildings, and the central baths. This street was built from 84 to 85 AD when Domitian was in power.

The side porch differs two levels from the street, and the street itself is paved with big travertine blocks.

From the 2nd century AD to the first half of the 7th century AD, Stadium Road was used.

View Of The Gymnasium Complex From The Bouleuterion

Strangely, the South Bath is said to be the best-preserved building in Laodicea. This seems to contradict its appearance, and however, unlike many other landmarks, the stadium complex has not been restored. This arched building was built in 135 AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian. It measures 133 x 75 m and is connected to the South Market to the north.

Bits And Pieces Everywhere In Laodicea On The Lycus

Laodicea is a perfect combination with a trip to Hierapolis and Pamukkale. The area also allows you to visit the beautifully painted wooden mosques nearby.