Day 10b - The Ruins of Laodicea

Laodicea was one of the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. It was founded in the 3rd century BC, during the Hellenistic period.

The founder of the city named it after his wife "Laodicea of the river Lykos" because there were actually many cities with the same name. The word "Laodicea" means "Righteousness of the people" or "People of the judgment"

There are BP gas stations in Turkey!

Another beautiful shot of the scenery :)

Laodicea was actually made famous for it's black textile product (basically black woolen garments). In the book of Revelation, the Christians in this city have taken pride in their state, and do not realize how badly they need God. They are counselled to "buy from [God] white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed." (Rev. 3:18)

The Laodiceans were known to be rich and self-sufficient. When a huge earthquake hit, the people refused to ask help from the Roman Government. They said: "We're rich enough, and we need nothing."

Laodicea is an excavation in progress. Every year, they uncover more and more of the city :) As such though, it is not a tourism spot, and it does not charge for entry. Besides, normally when people come here, their goal is Hierapolis (I'll show you that next =))

So this is one of the most significant finds so far. It's a combination of a Jewish symbol and a Christian symbol, confirming the Biblical record that the Christians and the Jews used to worship together.

Notice the cross and the menorah... We arrived to visit on a spectacular day, no? :)

Still under construction. There were earthquakes that ultimately brought Laodicea down...

I would call this: "Main Street" :)

If only I could read Greek... That's next semester :)

Beautiful architecture!

Jean
Excavation-in-progress. This is what was behind the pillars above
Me, on the streets of Laodicea
Some archeologist and architect will have to figure out what matches where
The damage is extensive!
This road leads to the Theater of Laodicea
There's plenty of space to sit!	Marvin
Laodicea! :)

Additional Lessons on Laodicea
Laodicea was also the center of a leading medical school. In fact, they developed a special eye ointment in the hopes of curing blindness. Rev. 3:18 counsels them to: "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.]

Incidentally, Laodicea is physically located between two "ideal" places, the river Lykos, with it's cool, refreshing water, and Hierapolis, with it's hot springs (this is the next post). The Laodiceans attempted to pipe the hot water from the hot springs in Hierapolis (Pamukkale) to this town... and cool, refreshing water from Lykos. Unfortunately, by the time the water got to the city, it was lukewarm.

The Bible calls the Laodicean Christians lukewarm because they call themselves "Christians" but they still followed the traditions of the pagan culture.

Alright, thus ends our visit to the ruins of Laodicea. If you ever decide to come visit, just know that there will actually be even more to see the next time around!

Next Stop: Hierapolis (if you've never seen it... you've gotta see this!)