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“Laodicea was founded by Antiochus II (261-246 BC).
As a Seleucid foundation, it was probably similar to
Thyatira in respect of constitution and law; but no
information has been preserved. It was situated at a
critical point in the road system of the country. The
great road from the west (from Ephesus and from Miletus)
ascends the Meander Valley due eastwards, until it
enters "the Gate of Phrygia." In the Gate are a
remarkable series of hot springs, and warm mud-baths,
some in the bed of the Meander, others on its banks.
"The scene before the traveller as he traverses the Gate
is a suitable introduction to that Phrygian land, which
always seemed to the Greeks something strange and
unique."
“Immediately above this point lies a much broader valley, in which Lydia,
Phrygia, and Caria meet. The Meander comes into this valley from the north,
breaking through a ridge of mountains by a gorge, which, though singularly
beautiful in scenery, is useless as a roadway. The road goes on to the east up
the glen of the Lycus, which here joins the Meander, and offers an easy roadway.
The Lycus Glen is double, containing a lower and an upper glen. Laodicea is the
city of the lower glen, Colossae of the upper. Due north of Laodicea, between
the Lycus and the Meander, stands Hierapolis, in a very conspicuous situation,
on a shelf below the northern mountains and above the valley, with a cascade of
gleaming white cliffs below it, topped by the buildings, still wonderfully well
preserved, of the old city” (Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of
Asia, Chapter 29).
On our
Holy Days 2000 Page, by following the
Pentecost 2000
links, you may access both
audio
and transcripts
relating the significance of
Laodicea
to church history. This series by Fred R. Coulter is
entitled The Seven Church Harvest.
Photos of the remains of
Ancient Laodicea may be viewed at this site.
Ephesus: The City of
Change
Smyrna: The City of Life
Pergamum: The Royal City: The City of
Authority
Thyatira: Weakness Made Strong
Sardis: The City of Death
Philadelphia: The Missionary City
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