From Prosperity to Decline
After the Roman and Byzantine periods, Laodicea slowly lost its importance. The city became a battleground between different powers. Byzantine […]
Trade Water and Growth
Although Laodicea did not receive as much financial support from Roman emperors as some of the rival coastal cities, it
The Jewish Community in Laodicea
During the Roman period, Laodicea had an important Jewish community. Historical records tell us that in 62 BCE the Roman
The Keys of Death and Hades
In the Book of Revelation (1:18), Jesus says that he holds the “keys of Death and Hades.” These keys are
The Three Sacred Names and the Heavenly City
In the message to the church in Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation, the faithful believer who “conquers” is promised
The Church of St John in Philadelphia
The church that has been named after St John in ancient Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir) was an important Byzantine building. It
Ancient Philadelphia (Alaşehir)
Ancient Philadelphia, known today as Alaşehir, was founded by Attalos II Philadelphos, the king of Pergamum, who ruled between 159
The Main Assembly Hall of the Synagogue
The main hall of the synagogue in Sardis was very large. It is believed that it could hold nearly one
Jewish Settlement under Antiochus III
The Jewish community in Sardis became even stronger during the rule of the Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great. He
The Main Church of Sardis (Church D)
On the north side of the present highway in Sardis, five large rectangular piers can still be seen standing in