‍Historical Spotlights

In honor of his wife, Laodice, Seleucid King Antiochus II founded Laodicea in the third century B.C. on the river Lycus in the Phrygian region of Anatolia. The site flourished and became one of the most important commercial cities of Asia Minor on the trade route from the East, famous for its raven-black wool and other textiles. The city was also renowned for its medical school and as a banking center in the Phrygian region.

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In 60 B.C.E. during the reign of Nero, a powerful earthquake leveled the city, which was later completely rebuilt. By the end of the fifth century A.D. another earthquake destroyed Laodicea. This time the city was never to be rebuilt, and inhabitants moved to other places nearby such as the site of modern-day Denizli.

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In 26 B.C.E., Laodicea competed against ten other cities in Asia Minor for the honor of building a temple to worship the emperor Tiberius. Smyrna was awarded the privilege, while Laodicea was rejected because of insufficient resources.

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Encompassing an area of about five square kilometers, Laodicea boasts many impressive remains including: two theaters, four bath complexes, five agoras, five fountains, and monumental colonnaded streets (Syria, Ephesus, Stadium Streets), among others. Perhaps the most impressive ruin is the ancient stadium, one of the largest in Anatolia (measuring 285 x 70m). Constructed to run east to west, this stadium could hold 20,000-25,000 spectators. Dedicated to Vespasian in A.D. 79, an inscription above its largest gate reads: “In the name of the seventh consul and the divine son of Emperor Titus Caesar Augustus Vespasian and for the people this stadium was built by the private funds of Nicostrate, the youngest son of Lucius Nicostrate. His heir Nicostrate completed this monument. It is dedicated to Proconsul Marcus Ulpius Trajan.”

Laodicea in Christian History

Of the ancient, tri-city area that included Colossae and Hierapolis, Laodicea stood between its two neighboring cities. Cold mountain springs flowed through Colossae on one side, and the hot springs of Hierapolis created the calcium travertine-capped hills on the other. This natural landscape provided a picturesque reminder of the “lukewarm” critique Christ gave the Laodicean church in Revelation 3.

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Trained by Paul in Ephesus, Epaphrus was the one most likely to have shared the gospel in Laodicea. He was sent out as a church planter to the Lycus River Valley (as noted in our sections on Colossae and Hierapolis). The church probably first gathered in the home of Nympha whom Paul greets in a letter written during his first Roman imprisonment. Though he references it in Colossians 4:16, the letter was ultimately lost and not mentioned in the writings of the church fathers.

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Paul never visited the churches in the Lycus River Valley, but he clearly felt an apostolic and even fatherly responsibility for them, likely due to his close relationship with Epaphras. He demonstrates this when he tells them, “I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person” (Colossians 2:1).

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Before and during the time of Christian growth in the city, Laodicea worshipped Zeus and the Anatolian god Men Karou. Though Christianity grew in influence, the city’s bishop, Sagaris, was martyred, and a great controversy arose concerning the celebration of Passover, forcing a church council in the fourth century. Laodicea’s importance in Christendom faded with the city itself in the fifth century A.D.

‍Written content & images are courtesy of Ronnie Jones III & Will Rockett and are featured in the elegant book series To the Saints in Asia Minor.