After the Roman and Byzantine periods, Laodicea slowly lost its importance. The city became a battleground between different powers. Byzantine armies fought to defend it. Later, Turkish emirates tried to control the region. Crusader forces also passed through Anatolia, and in the late medieval period the Timurids caused further destruction in many parts of the area. Because of these repeated wars and raids, the city gradually fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. Over time, it was forgotten and left in ruins.
Early Christian Churches
Preliminary excavations at the site have uncovered crosses carved on stones and walls. These discoveries show that Laodicea had more than one church, probably as early as the fifth century, or even earlier. This proves that Christianity was strong in the city during late antiquity Private Istanbul Tour.
One church is believed to have stood near the so-called Syrian Gate. This gate marked one of the main entrances to the city and connected Laodicea to important eastern routes. Building a church near such an important gate shows how central Christianity had become in city life.
The Nymphaeum Turned into a Church
Another important monument in Laodicea was the nymphaeum. A nymphaeum was a public fountain building, often richly decorated. The ruins of this early third-century structure still stand in the center of the city along a partly excavated main street.
The nymphaeum was rebuilt several times during late antiquity. After the Sassanian and Arab raids in the seventh century, it was finally abandoned. Originally, the monument consisted of a large square water basin surrounded by colonnades on its inner sides. On each side were smaller semicircular fountains. These fountains were supplied by water from two chambers at the back and were connected to a water tower near the gymnasium.
Later, the large basin area was converted into a church. This change shows how older Roman buildings were reused for Christian worship. Instead of serving as a public fountain, the space became a place for prayer and gatherings Trade Water and Growth.
The Theater and Water System
Near the center of the ruins stands the so-called small theater of Laodicea. From this area, visitors can also see the white travertine formations of nearby Hierapolis (Pamukkale) in the distance. The city also had an advanced water system. A water tower near the gymnasium helped distribute water throughout the city. Terracotta pipes used for carrying water can still be seen today, covered with thick layers of mineral deposits.
The Letter to the Church in Laodicea
Laodicea is also one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 3:14–22, a message is sent “to the angel of the church in Laodicea.”
In this message, Christ calls himself “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation.” He tells the believers that he knows their works and criticizes them for being “neither cold nor hot.” He says that because they are lukewarm, he will “spit them out” of his mouth. This strong image shows his disappointment.
The people of Laodicea believed they were rich and had no need of anything. However, the message says that spiritually they were “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” The city was famous for its wealth, fine black wool, and medical eye ointments. In this letter, these local features are used symbolically. The believers are advised to buy “gold refined by fire” so that they may be truly rich, to wear “white garments” instead of their famous black wool, and to apply spiritual eye ointment so that they may truly see.
The message ends with hope. Christ says that he corrects those he loves. Therefore, the believers are encouraged to repent and become earnest in their faith. Even in strong criticism, there is an invitation to renewal and restoration.
