Laodicea

Laodicea was in the ancient region of Phrygia, which comprised much of central and western Asia Minor. Today, it is in the province of Denizli, in Türkiye. It was initially called “Laodicea on the Lycus” (River), to distinguish it from several other cities that the founder, King Antiochus II Theos (reigned 261—246 AD), had also founded and named after his wife, Laodice.

Excavation and reconstruction of Laodicea has shown it to have measured some five square kilometers (1.9 square miles). Due to ongoing archaeological excavations, new structures are being discovered, restored, and made accessible to the public every year.

Laodicea was a Mega-City

In its heyday, Laodicea had a population of 150,000 residents, whereas a typical ancient city had around 40,000 to 50,000 residents. Its population comprised many cultures and religious beliefs. There was also a sizeable Jewish population, although no synagogue has yet been found.

Laodicea had one of the largest stadiums and bath complexes in the ancient world. It had five agoras (marketplaces), whereas most ancient cities only had one. Its streets were built on the Hippodamian grid plan, with east-west and north-south running main streets and side streets branching off at right angles, forming city blocks and sectors. Its public buildings, temples, and fountains were clad in fine white marble that shone in the sunlight.

Laodicea Was Famous For:

• Trade: Laodicea was situated at a crossroads linking western, central, and southern Asia Minor.
• Wealth: Laodicea and its citizens were so wealthy that after an earthquake in 60 AD leveled the city, they declined financial support from Rome and rebuilt the city themselves, gaining a reputation for pride and self-sufficiency.
• Textile Production: Laodicea was renowned worldwide for its luxurious, silky black wool and garments crafted from it.
• A medical center specializing in ophthalmology, the Laodiceans produced an eye salve called “Phrygian Powder,” known for its ability to cure eye diseases.

Laodicea rivaled Ephesus in terms of trade, the arts, culture, and sports, as well as its beauty and fame. Thanks to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and the substantial amount of money being spent on its renovation, it will likely again rival Ephesus in terms of popularity among visiting tourists. Every year, new structures are being discovered, restored, and opened to the public.

Early History of Laodicea

Prehistory

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Lycus River Valley, the future site of Laodicea, was inhabited by indigenous people as early as 5500 BC.

The Hellenistic Period

261—253 BC: Antiochus II Founds Laodicea

Seleucid King Antiochus II (reigned 261— 246 BC), the son of Seleucus I Nicator (one of Alexander the Great’s generals), recognized the excellent strategic position and economic potential of the area and founded the city, naming it “Laodicea” after his wife, Laodice. He also founded several other towns and gave them the same name. To differentiate this city from the others, it was called “Ladocea on the Lycus,” referring to the Lycus River.

213 BC: Antiochus III relocates Jews to Laodicea

Antiochus III, the Great (reigned 223— 187 BC), relocated approximately 2,000 Jewish families from Babylonia and Mesopotamia to Laodicea. These were the original Jewish inhabitants of Laodicea.

188 BC: The Romans Take Control of Laodicea

The Romans, with the support of the Pergamese (from Pergamum), defeated King Antiochus III and took most of western Asia Minor, including Laodicea. The Romans then gave control of western Asia Minor to Pergamene King Eumenes II.

133 BC: The Romans Regain Control of Laodicea

King Attalus III (reigned 138—133 BC), the great-grandson of Eumenes II, died without an heir. To prevent civil war over the Kingdom of Pergamum, he bequeathed the entire kingdom (most of Asia Minor, including Laodicea) to the Romans. The Romans established it as a new province and named it “Asia” (not to be confused with the Asian continent). The Romans granted Laodicea the status of a free city.

The Romans also made Laodicea the regional capital, dominating over 23 other cities. With its advantageous position on major trade routes and Roman favor, it thrived and became one of the most important and wealthy cities in Asia Minor. Its elite embellished the city with fine buildings and monuments, often in honor of Roman emperors. And it began minting its own coins.

60 AD: The Apostle Paul Writes His Epistle to the Colossians

The Apostle Paul mentioned Epaphras, a servant of Christ, who was working diligently for the church in Laodicea and the nearby city of Hierapolis. He also mentioned a person named Nympha (which could be a man or a woman’s name), who was holding church meetings in their house in Laodicea. This may refer to the “Peristyle Church” near the North Theater, since it appears to be the residence of a wealthy citizen and has a church-like room with an apse.

60 AD: An Earthquake Destroys Laodicea

A massive earthquake hit the Lycus Valley region. And it destroyed Laodicea. Roman Emperor Nero (reigned 54—68 AD) offered money to rebuild the city. The Laodiceans declined the offer and rebuilt the city on their own. By doing this, the Laodiceans gained a reputation for being not only prosperous but also proud and self-reliant.

96 AD: The Church of Laodicea is Addressed in the Book of Revelation

John of Patmos, who many believe to be the same John who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, had been exiled to the island of Patmos off the Aegean coast of Asia Minor. John had a series of apocalyptic visions and dictated them to his assistant, Prochurus. In one of the visions, the glorified Christ gave him a message for the church of Laodicea and the churches of six other cities in Asia Minor.

Laodicea in the Bible

During the first century, Laodicea was in the Roman province of Asia. The church there was part of a three-church cluster with nearby Hierapolis and Colossae. The sizable Jewish population in these three cities likely contributed to the introduction and growth of Christianity in the region.

Did the Apostle Paul Visit Laodicea?

There is no record of the Apostle Paul visiting Laodicea. The church there was probably founded by Epaphrus, one of Paul’s disciples and leader of the Church of Laodicea, as described by Paul in his Epistle to the Colossians. Paul also mentions a person named Nympha, who could be a man or a woman, who was also a church leader in Laodicea.

Laodicea in the Book of Revelation

The Church in Laodicea is the last of the seven churches of Asia Minor addressed in the Book of Revelation. While exiled on the Greek Island of Patmos, John (who may be the John who was one of Jesus’s twelve disciples) had a series of visions which he described to his assistant Prochorus, who wrote them down.

In the visions, the risen and glorified Jesus Christ condemns the Church of Laodicea for being lukewarm, complacent, self-satisfied, spiritually bankrupt, and spiritually poor. There are references in the verses to the things Laodicea is famous for, such as their salve for the eyes.

Laodicea is addressed in Revelation 3:11—22 (NIV)

¹⁴ 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.
¹⁵ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
_¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
¹⁷ 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.
¹⁸ 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.
¹⁹ Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
²⁰ 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.
²¹ 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.
²² Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Byzantine Period

After Constantine the Great relocated the Roman capital to the new Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) in 330 AD, Laodicea became a bishopric. A significant church council was held there sometime in the 14th century. We know this because of the later Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which approved the decisions of the Council of Laodicea.

Some 20 churches and chapels have been discovered in Laodicea. The largest, on a street leading from Syria Street to the North Theater, covers an entire city block.

Where is Laodicea?

Laodicea is located in Denizli Province in southwestern Türkiye, on the southern edge of the modern village of Goncalı, and 14.3 kilometers (9 miles) north of Denizli city center. It was part of a trio of cities in the Lycos River Valley, alongside Colossae, 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) to the west, and Hierapolis, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to the north.

Laodicea Map

If you want to view the larger Google custom map, or if you are on site and need to navigate around Laodicea, use this large map of Laodicea.

What to See at Laodicea

East Baths

The unexcavated remains of the second-century AD East Baths are just outside the main entrance of the site on the north side of an unexcavated section of the main Syria Street. Being outside the gate, they allowed those living outside the walls to bathe. Those arriving from other cities could also bathe before entering Laodicea.

East Byzantine Gate

The East Byzantine Gate was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius I (379- 395 AD). It was part of a defensive wall system that accommodated the city’s smaller size at the time. It is also the location of the ticket office and information center, where you can get books and maps with recommended routes.

East Byzantine Nymphaeum

The East Byzantine Nymphaeum (public fountain) is just to the north of the north tower of the East Byzantine Gate. By positioning it here, people living outside of Laodicea could access free water. Additionally, travelers from the east who arrived at Laodicea could obtain water before entering the city. It was built on a rectangular plan during the fifth century AD, along with the gate and a new defensive wall system. It measures 12.5 x 10 meters (41 x 32 feet).

Along Syria Street

Syria Street is Laodicea’s main east-west street. It is 900 meters (984 yards) long. 400 meters (437 yards) of it has been excavated so far. Lined with marble slabs, visible on the excavated part, it ran from the Ephesus Gate on the west to the Syria Gate on the East.

On either side of Syria Street were colonnaded walkways, two agoras (marketplaces), fountains, bath complexes, shops, and restaurants.

House A

Fifty meters (164 feet) inside the East Byzantine Gate and on the north (right) side of Syria Street is a large first-century AD residence of some 2,000 square meters (6,562 square feet). It consists of three colonnaded peristyle courts surrounded by 47 rooms and five shops. On its west side was a shop-lined alley that ran between Syria Street and the Church of Laodicea. House A was occupied until the seventh century.

Temple A

Temple A was built sometime in the second century AD and underwent significant modifications in the third or fourth century. While originally dedicated to Apollo, Artemis, and possibly Zeus, it eventually became a temple of the Imperial Cult, used to worship deified Roman Emperors. During Christian times, it was converted into a church. It remained in service until an earthquake in 494 AD destroyed it. It was then dismantled and its architectural pieces used to build other buildings.

There is a colonnaded courtyard on the front (south) side, surrounded by a colonnade. Initially, the colonnade consisted of 54 columns. Fifteen of them have been restored. The courtyard leads to the temple base, with its seven steps rising up to the temple itself. The steps are flanked by two large marble platforms, which once supported statues. The platforms still bear Greek inscriptions. Four spiral-designed columns again front the temple itself.

Inside the temple is a transparent floor allowing you to see the columns and foundations that supported the naos (or cella, the main room of the temple). The lower part, located under the transparent floor, was used to store gifts and offerings made to the temple’s deities. Later, it was used as an archive for the Church of Laodicea.

Church of Laodicea

The Church of Laodicea, located north of Temple A, is likely the primary tourist attraction in Laodicea, particularly for Christians. One of the oldest churches in the world, it is a three-aisled basilica with three aisles and eleven apses.

Narthex

The narthex, or entry room, has two doors facing west. It measures 29.5 x 3.8 meters (97 x 1.5 square feet) and has a mosaic floor with geometric designs. A transparent floor allows you to walk around and inspect it.

Nave

Three doors lead from the narthex to the nave, or main room of the church; the center door leads to the center aisle, and the side doors lead to the side aisles. There are ten massive square columns, arranged in two groups of five, that separate the center from the two side aisles. Measuring 915 square meters (3,000 square feet), the nave has mosaic floors and frescoed walls. The floor mosaics primarily feature geometric and floral patterns in a range of colors. The best mosaics are in the south aisle, on the right as you enter the nave from the narthex. Look for two red crosses with white outlines, accompanied by the names of two deacons, Polycarpos and Alexander, who created the mosaics and signed their work.

Bema

The Bema is the raised platform in the front of the church between the nave and the apse. It measures 5.6 x 8 meters (18.4 x 16.4 feet) and is 35 centimeters (13.8 inches) higher than the nave floor. It is decorated with marble panels with crosses.

Synthranon

In the apse is an 8.7-meter (28.5-foot) diameter semicircular seating area, with three rows, for clergy.

Baptistry

One of the best-preserved cruciform baptisteries ever discovered, dating to the reign of Constantine the Great (306—337 AD), is located in the northeast corner of the church. It measures 3.2 x 3.6 meters (10.5 x 11.8 feet) and has a depth of 1.45 meters (4.8 feet). It was initially covered in marble slabs, with its antechamber walls covered with frescoes.

The Church of Laodice was destroyed by an earthquake in 494 AD and subsequently rebuilt; however, an earthquake in the early seventh century ultimately destroyed it for good.

The Council of Laodicea

Sometime around 363—364 AD, the Council of Laodicea, comprising approximately thirty church leaders from Asia Minor, was convened in the Church of Laodicea. It generally concerned the proper conduct of clerics and laypeople, established Sunday as the Sabbath, determined various liturgical practices, and specified which books made up the New Testament. It also forbade the practice of astrology. This was a regional synod and not an ecumenical council, so its decisions were not considered infallible.

Central Church

The Central Church is on the south side of Syria Street, across from the Church of Laodicea.

Nymphaeum of Septimius Severus

Located near the midpoint of Syria Street and on its north side, this public fountain was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193—211 AD) and dedicated to him. It is 41 x 14 square meters, and its frontal pool had a depth of one meter (3.28 feet), kept filled by five taps. Behind it and on the sides were two-story marble facades with Corinthian and Ionic columns on the first level and Corinthian columns on the upper level. Between the columns were niches filled with statues of Athena and other Greek gods. Its sides were further decorated with statues of lions. The Nymphaeum was destroyed during the 494 AD earthquake. Later, during the Byzantine period, two rectangular pools were built in front of its facade.

Central Agora

On the south side of Syria Street, across from the Nymphaeum of Septimius Severus, is the Central Agora. It is a 112 x 60 meter /367.45 x 197 foot) rectangular area with its north side opening onto Syria Street. On its west and east sides were two-story porticos lined with shops, restaurants, and businesses. Its south side borders the Central Baths. It was paved with marble slabs. In the center of the agora is a square column base measuring 7.5 meters (24.6 feet) with three steps. In the center is a column with a Corinthian capital. On top of the capital would have been a statue of an emperor or other important government official.

Central Baths

The Central Baths, built during the second century AD, are behind (south of) the Central Agora. It measures 89 x 58 meters (292 x 190 feet). It consists of the usual rooms of a bath, a caldarium or hot hall, a tepidarium or lukewarm hall, two frigidaria or cold halls, and an apodyterium or changing room. On the west side was a palaestra, with a triple-arched entrance, for exercise.

North Agora Propylon

Also known as Propylon I, this monumental colonnaded gate, constructed during the reign of Septimius Severus, is located on the north side of Syria Street. It leads into the center of the North (Sacred) Agora. It was a monumental passageway leading to four steps, then through the gate and down another four steps into the agora. Its walls were decorated with reliefs. There were two other monumental entrances to the North Agora, one located on the west and the other on the east. They were destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt at the end of the third or beginning of the fourth century. The earthquake of 494 AD caused it to collapse again. It was again rebuilt and used until the early seventh century, when the city was gradually abandoned.

North Agora

The North Agora was the central commercial Agora of Laodicea. It is also known as the “Sacred Agora” because, before the fourth century AD, it was the sacred precinct of three temples dedicated to Athena, Zeus, and another unidentified deity. The North Agora is immense, measuring 265 x 128 meters (870 x 420 feet) or 33,800 square meters (110,890 square feet). Colonnaded porticoes and businesses surrounded it. There were two long rectangular pools on the east and west sides. Along with its entry propylons, it collapsed during the earthquake of the seventh century. Over time, its stone building fragments were removed and used in other building projects.

Nymphaeum of Caracalla

Located at the intersection of Syria Street and the north-south Stadium Street, this fountain was dedicated to Roman Emperor Caracalla (198—217 AD) during his visit to Laodicea. Its facade was decorated with reliefs depicting Hercules and the abduction of Ganymedes by Zeus. Sometime in the third century AD, a cross was added to its facade.

North Laodicea

Turn north (right) at the end of Syria Street and walk on the path beyond the North Agora to the West Theater.

West Theater

Of the two theaters in Laodicea, this is the smaller one. It has been painstakingly restored and again hosts occasional concerts and other performances. Built during the Hellenistic Period, possibly in the second century BC, it had a capacity of 8,000 spectators. It had a retractable awning to protect the audience from the sun. The center of the first few rows featured a semicircular VIP section, complete with backs and armrests, reserved for important individuals and their families. The West Theater was destroyed in a seventh-century earthquake, and much of its stone was removed and used for other purposes. Because it has been restored, it again functions as a performance venue.

To find out about upcoming performances at this theater, visit Biletix, Turkiye’s premier ticketing website. If the word “Laodicea” doesn’t give you any results, try “laodikeia,” which is the Turkish word for the ancient city.

Walk west from the West Theater towards the North Theater.

Mosaic Paved Building

On the north side of the path (to the left) is a mosaic-paved building. Its early history is unknown, but by the fourth century AD, it was being used as a church and had an apse on its north end. The floors are lined with approximately 300 square meters (3,230 square feet) of mosaics featuring colorful geometric motifs, stars, shields, and leaves. There is an elevated, transparent floor that allows you to inspect the mosaics.

On the opposite (south) side of the path are the remains of a Corinthian temple.

North Church

Walk east along the path to see the fifth-century AD North Church on the north (left) side. This basilica-style church measures 26 x 48 meters (85 x 157 square feet), has a central nave and two side aisles. Only its foundation and some scattered marble blocks remain. It functioned until the seventh century, when an earthquake destroyed it.

North Theater

The North Theater is newer than the West Theater. It appears older because, unlike the West Theater, it has not been restored.

The North Theater was built sometime in the second century AD because the West Theater was too small to accommodate Laodicea’s growing population. Functioning simultaneously with the West Theater, it likely had a three-story, monumental stage decorated with columns and niches for statues. The seats were made of marble and could accommodate 12,000 spectators (as compared to the west theater’s capacity of 8,000). It had a retractable awning to protect the spectators from the sun.

Built into the side of the hill in the Greek style, its seating rows have since slid out and become displaced. Visible now are 27 upper rows and 19 lower rows. Many seats have the names of civic associations and wealthy families inscribed on them, indicating that they were reserved for specific individuals. Evidence suggests that its orchestra was once waterproofed, allowing it to be used for mock naval battles and other aquatic displays.

Sometime in the seventh century, the North and West Theaters were destroyed by an earthquake. Much of its stone was removed and used in other building projects.

Peristyle House with Church

Just south of the North Theater is a luxurious residence that appears to have a built-in church, complete with an apse. It was likely first constructed in the third century AD and renovated and added to several times, until an earthquake in the seventh century finally destroyed it. It was probably converted to a church after Christianity was legalized in 313 AD.

The house covers 2,000 square meters. In the center is a columned peristyle courtyard. Around the courtyard are 19 rooms for living, a bath, a latrine, and two halls; the one on the western side features an apse and richly decorated opus-sectile floors. Two fountains in niches flanked its entrance. Rooms on the north side, facing the theater, were probably shops.

West Laodicea

Ephesian Gate

The Ephesian Gate, also known as the Ephesus Gate, spans Ephesus Street. The road from the gate goes west to Ephesus, some 160 kilometers (99.4 miles) away, on the Western Aegean coast of Türkiye. Built at the end of the 1st century AD and dedicated to Roman Emperor Domitian (reigned 81— 96 AD), it is a triple-arched gate with towers on both sides. It has not been excavated, so it is still buried almost up to its arches. The arches are still intact, but the entablature that ran across the top of the gate is no longer there.

Roman Bridge

Continue west of the Ephesian Gate to see the remains of a Roman bridge that crossed the ancient Asopus River (today’s Kuzgun Çayı (creek).

South Laodicea

Nymphaeum of Trajan

Once called the South Nymphaeum, after its excavation in 2015 and the discovery of a statue of Roman Emperor Trajan (reigned 98—117 AD), it was renamed the Trajan Nymphaeum. Its main feature is an exquisitely restored statue of the Roman emperor, accompanied by a prisoner of war from Dacia (today’s Romania and Moldova) at his feet. This statue group was reassembled from 250 fragments. It is located on Stadium Street, the main north-south street of Laodicea, 300 meters south of Syria Street.

South (State) Agora

This 135 x 90 meter (443 x 295 foot) agora was not a marketplace (as were commercial agoras), but a venue for conducting business with the government. The Romans called it a forum. The South Agora was built sometime during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (117—138 AD)

Bouleuterion

The Bouleuterion, located on the north side of the State Agora, served as the meeting place of the city council of Laodicea. It was a semicircular theater-like auditorium that could seat 500 to 600 people. Besides being used for government meetings, it was also used for musical and other types of performances.

Stadium

Laodicea’s Stadium, measuring 285 x 70 meters (935 x 230 feet) and with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, is one of the largest in Asia Minor. In 79 AD, it was dedicated to Roman Emperor Titus (reigned 79—81 AD) and Proconsul Marcus Ulpius Traianus, the father of Roman Emperor Trajan. Both ends of the stadium are rounded, rather than having one squared off for use as starting gates. The stadium was used for chariot races, sports such as running and wrestling, gladiatorial combat, wild animal fights, and public executions.

South Gymnasium and Bath Complex

On the north side of the stadium, measuring 133 x 75 meters (436 x 246 feet) and covering an area of 12,000 square meters (39,370 square feet), is the largest gymnasium/bath complex ever found in Asia Minor. Serving as a training facility for athletes competing in the stadium, it was dedicated to Roman Emperor Hadrian and his wife, Sabina, when they visited Laodicea in 135 AD during their grand tour of the Roman Empire.

On the southwest corner is a water distribution tower, fed by an aqueduct, that supplied water to the baths and to the central water distribution terminal in the center of Laodicea.

Visiting Laodicea

The Laodicea Archaeological Site is open daily.

Summer (1 April to 30 September): 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Winter (1 October to 31 March): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Note: The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the site’s closing time.

An Audio Guide to Laodicea is available at the ticket booth..
Allow three hours to visit Laodicea.

Virtual Tour of Laodicea

Türkiye’s General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums has released a series of virtual tours of various archaeological sites in Türkiye.

The main virtual tour website can be found here.
The virtual tour of Laodicea is here.

How to Go to Laodicea

From Denizli Airport

The archaeological site of Laodicea is 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of the Denizli Airport. You can rent a car and go directly to Laodicea, or take a shuttle bus to the Denizli bus terminal and take a minibus to the site.

By Car

• From the airport, drive toward Denizli.
• Take Highway E87 (on the eastern edge of Denizli) north to the intersection with Highway D320.
• After the intersection, continue north for 1.5 kilometers (.93 miles) and turn left (west) onto Ören Caddesi (street), which terminates at the Laodicea archaeological site. The turn is well signposted.

By Bus

The Denizli Otogar (bus terminal) is in the city center. You will see one or more kiosks with signs advertising trips to Laodicea. The buses stop near the entrance to the site.

Address: Goncalı, 20180 Merkezefendi/Denizli, Türkiye.
Google Map Coordinates: 37.8368947175974, 29.109542433041103.