Embedded Files
Biblical References
Biblical References
Colossians 4:13, 16
Revelation 3:14-22
Epaphras (Colossians 1:7, 4:12; Philemon 1:23) may have been Paul's only direct connection to the three cities of the Lycus Valley - Laodicea, Colossae and Hierapolis - but the references to Laodicea and Hierapolis suggest that he was at least familiar with the Christian communities in these places.
Whether or not Paul ever visited Laodicea is an unanswerable question but I am not aware of any positive evidence that he did so. However, analysis by Dr Mark Wilson confirms the very real possibility that Paul passed through the Lycus Valley and may even have travelled the road that passed through Laodicea itself. See here.
All this, for me, confirms Laodicea as a site associated with St Paul.
Of course, Laodicea is also one of the 'Seven Churches of Revelation.
Visiting the Site
Visiting the Site
I have been able to visit Laodicea on each of the study tours with which I have been involved (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013). Our guide on the first occasion was adamant that there was nothing to see and tried to dissuade us from even visiting the site. He was very surprised to find extensive and active excavations underway. On every subsequent visit it has been amazing to see the transformation of the site as more and more of the ancient city has been exposed and, in some places, reconstructed.
Laodicea is almost directly south of Hierapolis. In fact, from above the theatre of Hierapolis, if you know where to look, it is possible to make out the cavea (concave shadows) of the two theatres of Laodicea.
Entrance to the site
Entrance to the site
Laodicea is almost halfway between Pamukkale and Denizli. Either of these would make a good base from which to explore the cities of the Lycus Valley.
East Byzantine Gate and Towers
East Byzantine Gate and Towers
These Byzantine structures guard the entrance to the excavated portion of Syria Street.
Syria Street
Syria Street
The colonnaded Syria Street runs east / west from the East Byzantine Gate, approximately 400m across the site towards the West Theatre.
Below left: Syria Street, looking east in the direction of Colossae.
Photo: 8 Jun 2012
Church of Laodicea
Church of Laodicea
This church had only just been discovered when we first visited (2008) but has since been the focus of intense excavation and preservation. I have not been back since it was completely roofed over and opened for public view: apparently the mosaics are stunning.
Above right: Part of the Church of Laodicea.
Photo: 8 Jun 2012
Temple A
Temple A
The fact that this is known as Temple A tells that is of unknown dedication. Reconstructed columns and walls hint at its earlier splendour. A glass floor allows visitors to walk over the top of part of the structure.
North Theatre
North Theatre
Not much remains of the north theatre's former magnificence: the cavea is clearly defined but the seating is in almost total disarray.
From here, be sure to look across the valley, almost directly north, to Hierapolis, located above the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
Below left: The North Theatre of Laodicea with Hierapolis in the background. Photo: 8 June 2012
West Theatre
West Theatre
The west theatre is in only slightly better shape than the north theatre, with a few 'seats' at the top of the cavea still intact.
Above right: The West Theatre of Laodicea.
Photo: 12 Sep 2008
Stadium
Stadium
I have not yet been able to visit the stadium, out of sight at the southern extremity of the site.
Google Earth indicates there is a worn path, from just east of the Central Baths, running past the South Agora and the Southern Bath Complex.
Google Sites
Report abuse