The ancient city of Laodicea confirms exactly what the book of Revelation says about it. I would like to show you three interesting finds that you can see in Laodicea today that confirm what the Bible says about it.
The city is well excavated and is on the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Turkey as of 2013*. The ancient city has a church that was built sometime after 300 AD and is one of the earliest known churches in the world.
Where is Laodicea?
Laodicea is in Turkey, not far from the modern day city of Denizli. During the first century, it was located in the province of Phyrgia. It’s exact location on Google maps is here.
Three Interesting Finds in Laodicea
First, here is the passage we use as our guide.
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,” but you do not know that you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes so that you may see.
Revelation 3:15-18 | New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
1. “You are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold”
This was a city with no water supply. However we noticed that there are intricate piping systems throughout the city.
The water came from about six miles south of the city. It was a pipe system.
The Romans did not make pipes as we do today, so what they did was bore a hole through a stone block and cement the blocks together. Here is the actual piping system that leads into the city from the springs six miles away.
If you look closely, the pipes have layers of white calcium buildup on the inside. This is because the springs in the area are rich with calcium. The blocks had to be replaced now and again because of this. Constant repair and maintenance was required to keep the city supplied with water.
The Romans had perpetual problems bringing water into the city. Earthquakes caused ruptures, and continual repairs had to be made. By the time it reached the city, the volume would be reduced significantly due to leaks. Additionally, the cool spring water would become warm and less palatable due to the pipe and distance travelled. Added to this is the fact that the water was not entirely pure – it was laden with calcium and other minerals.
Water issues were something that the Laodiceans would relate to. Jesus connected the unpalatable lukewarm water to the condition of their spirituality.
2. “I am rich and have acquired riches”
Laodicea was rich, really rich! In fact, when an earthquake levelled the city in 60 CE. Roman Emperor Nero offered financial assistance to help rebuild it. But the Laodiceans rejected the offer and rebuilt it themselves.
Here is the main street. It was lined with commercial businesses such as banks and sellers of wool. Banking thrived to the point that some Roman emperors availed themselves of the services of these banks.
Laodicea was also known for a shiny black wool. Commercial trade of this commodity helped make the city rich. It is quite likely they bred black sheep. But it is also possible that they used a die. Whatever the case, the expression made by Jesus in the book of Revelation to acquire “white garments so that you may become dressed” would hit home.
3. “Eyesalve to rub in your eyes”
Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. Temples had a joint purpose of worship and medical studies. The city also became renowned throughout the empire for it’s eye and ear salve.
Here is a video I took standing in the middle of Laodicea. I pan 360 degrees. Notice the white mound in the background that I zoom in on. This is a mountain of calcium deposits with streams of hot water flowing from them. This is Pamukkale.
It is therefore not surprising Jesus told the Loadiceans to rub eye salve in their eyes. Especially since the city was known for this product and was renowned as a healing center.
Laodicea is different
The previous congregation that we visited was ancient Smyrna. At this point we make an interesting observation. It seems that the congregations in Revelation that had a good report and commendation are still thriving cities today. Smyrna is a good example of this. Whereas cities like Laodicea that received a sharp rebuke are desolate. Quite likely coincidence, but interesting nonetheless.
Before finishing off, I just want to include a few more pictures of Laodicea.
After about 3 hours at the site, we felt like it was enough.
Lastly I will include a map of the city. It is a picture of the sign there, so it’s as reliable as it gets. I hope you can read it ok.
Thanks for reading about our trip to Laodicea in Turkey. We’re off to another congregation from the book of Revelation. Hope you enjoyed.
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