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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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