About Laodicea

Laodicea was built on the earlier settlement of Diospolis (“the city of Jupiter”) and later Rhoas. King Antiochus II of Syria re-founded it, naming it after his wife Laodice, and settled Syrians and Jews from Babylonia there.

Wealthy and Influential City

Laodicea thrived on black wool, banking, and medicine. Its fertile plains produced soft wool, and its medical school gained renown. After the CE 60 earthquake, the city rebuilt independently and continued as a centre for pagan and imperial worship.

The Lukewarm Church

As the last of the Seven Churches, Laodicea received the sternest rebuke from Jesus. He called the church lukewarm, conceited, and Christless, saying it made Him ill, yet offered a second chance for repentance and renewal (Revelation 3:14-22).

Archaeological Remains and Sites

Laodicea’s ruins stretch across a vast plateau. Highlights include a colonnaded street, a 2^nd-century temple with a glass-floor over toppled pillars, ancient agoras, baths, a stadium, and theatres, reminders of the city’s grandeur.