Laodikeia

Amazingly perserved acient city, it is huge so be sure to take a lot of water and comfortable shoes. Unfortunately, sufficient guidance was not provided and they also don't offer audio guides.

İ went there 2 weeks ago with my husband. We started at pamukkale, looking for dolmuş to Goncalı, paid around 2,5tl/person. The driver told us that he will inform where we will stop later. At the veneterian hospital the driver inform us: he said stop here and walk straightly around 1km. After some mins walks we found the gate. Entrence 10tl/person. İf you have muze card will be another advantages.

Thyatira was the fourth of the seven churches of Asia Minor to receive an epistle from the St. John (Rev. 2:18-29). An important trade center particularly for the textile industry of Hellenistic and Roman times, the city lay along a low lying corridor that followed a north south river bed connecting the Caicus and Hermes River beds (Pergamum - Smyrna, Laodicea Road). Though the city existed earlier, it reached notoriety when reconstructed by Seleucus Nicator about 300 BC. It was said that while he designed the city, he was informed of the birth of his daughter. He name the city after the news (thygater is Greek for daughter). It was a cultic center to Apollo (the sun god), and apparent home of the wealthy trade guilds. It was for centuries a frontier fort, first for the western edge of Seleucus I or Syria's territory, then the eastern frontier of the Pergamene Kingdom. It passed from the hands of Pergamon to Rome in 133 BCE. The city was wealthy in ancient times, with its gentle rolling hills and fertile valleys. Ramsey expressed that the connection with this inland road was what made Pergamon important, so it gave careful attention to the cities that gave free course to the trade industry. It had a garrison maintained there (first Seleucids, then Pergamene, then Roman). Ramsey notes that The condition of Thyatira was the best measure of the power of Pergamum. It was considered by some ancients to be a city of Mysia, but to others a city of Lydia. The combination of a low plateau for an Acropolis and the sloping valley surrounding it, gave an impression of the city as more cosmopolitan and open, as opposed to the more austere cliffs at Pergamum. The church at Thyatira, visited by St. Paul (Acts 19:10) and represented by a convert who was away doing business in Philippi (Lydia, cp. Acts 16:14) was also more open to heresy. The letter of St. John to the church suggests that her openess and gentleness in the face of heresy (Jezebel and Nicolaitines) was her downfall (Rev. 2:18-23). About 150 AD, Montanus began a cult practice from Thyatira, claiming his prophetesses spoke with the voice of the Holy Spirit (hence, Montanism). The city was wealthy, but did not reach its zenith until the C2nd CE. The trade guilds that flourished there included wool workers, garment workers, linen workers, leather workers, dyers (purple), bakers, potters, slave dealers and bronze smiths. Each guild was accompanied by its patron gods and in many cases included immoral practices in participation with the guild members. A faithful Christian may have found it difficult to live his faith, as well as practice his craft. Points of interest for the visitor today include the ruins of a temple. Thyatira's ancient ruins were left untouched until Rustem Duyuran began to excavate the site from 1968 to 1971. Numerous inscriptions were found (21 sent to Manisa Museum), along with the location of the colonnaded stoa and other public buildings.

Laodikeia is located on a vast land! Most of the city is still being excavated. For example the western theater is still buried under the ground. When you take a look at it, you only see the outline of the structure. The rest of the city is awesome. Marble floors of the buildings are unbelievably unharmed. Most of the erected columns help you to illustrate the form of the structures in your head. In comparison with Hieropolis of Pamukkale, Laodikeia seemed more interesting and more valuable to me. The starting of the route is the Syrian Street, in which you can find a thorough map of the city. Do not forget to take a photo of it, since the walking path is not very clear and there are not so many sign boards to show you the direction. The lack of sign boards may add up to 30 minutes to your visit!

Overlooking Pamukkale, Laodikeia is yet another historical site well worth a visit (which makes even more sense since is so close to Pamukkale). There's a covered area in the middle to preserve ancient mosaics and structures and many columns and ruins around. Quite well preserved.

Great Church History. Famous place where the stones are proclaiming the Gospel today. Feb. 01. 2019 The church building of Laodikeia is open for visitors. The arheologs did very good job. History is visible, also the information shared on tables is very well prepared. Too many history for a corrupted New Testament. Turkish people need see what they possess whit eyes of true. May God give them a spirit of repentance.

Love seeing these ancient ruins. A lot of walking here and on a hot day it can be difficult. Bring water. There is an affordable shop with some goods. You can view the salt mounting from a long distance away. Totally worth seeing! Bring a guide to learn more.

The restoration was going on in the all area and you see the archeologists on work. In the church you can see beautiful mosaics. Drain system was also interesting. You have to visit this place if you have an interest for history. Don't forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and water and take 3 hours for all area.