Laodicea or Laodiceia (on the Lycus)
Laodicea, Laodiceia (on the Lycus)
Laodiceia on the Lycus is near the village of Eskihisar in Denizli today. It is approxiamtely 30 minutes from Denizli city center (3-4 km). Laodiceia was originally known as Diospolis and Rhoas but it was destroyed and reconstructed and it was given the name of wife of Antiochus II Theos: Laodiceia. Laodiceia is away 10 km from Hierapolis and 160 km from Ephesus. Laodiceia was on the major road of ancient times which had started from Ephesus and ended in Euphrates.
Laodiceia suffered a lot from political issues and wars in that era. But when domination of Roman Empire guaranteed prosperity the city started gaining importance and benefited a lot from the major trading route. And thanks to the plain on which it was built and where cotton farming was of much importance Laodiceia became center of weaving in that era. Througout the history the city was destroyed by eartquakes too many times like Hierapolis. And it was reconstructed again and again. The city had a very sophisticated irrigation network and sewer system in that time.
Laodiceia, like many ancient cities of that time, was ruled by many kingdoms like Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottoman Empire.
The Ruins of Laodiceia
Laodiceia is still excavated by Pamukkale University of Denizli today. The ruins that were brought into sun light still reflect the magnificence of the era. Among the ruins is a stadium in perfect condition. As I said above Laodiceia is still being excavated today and who know what is going to be found? Lets wait and see!
Directions:
37°50'9.01"N
29° 6'31.11"E
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