Laodikeia Plan

Laodikeia is situated in an excellent geographical location on the south side of the Lycus River, 6 km north of Denizli. The city was called ''Laodikeia on the edge of the Lycus'' in ancient sources. According to other ancient sources, the city was founded by Antiochos II in 263-261 BC and named after Antiochos' wife.

Laodikeia was the most famous and influential city in the 1st century B.C. The remains of the city are dated from this era. The Romans made the city the center of Kybira's conventus (Golhisar-Horzum) because of the geographical setting.

A series of coins were minted in Laodikeia during the reign of Caracalla. Many monumental buildings were also built in Laodikeia through donations of the local inhabitants. One of the famous seven churches mentioned in Revelation was located in Laodicea, which shows that Christianity was important here. Unfortunately, the city was destroyed by the earthquake.

Ruins of Laodikeia

TRAVEL TRACK MAP

LAODIKEIA LOCATION MAP

Ruins of Laodikeia

Big Theater: It's situated in the northeast of the city. It is built in the Greek style, which is similar to Roman construction style. The scene is destroyed, but the cave and orchestra are still standing. Its seating capacity is about 20,000.

Small Theater: It is situated 300 m northwest of the big theater. It is also in Greek Style. The cave and orchestra are partly remaining; the scene is destroyed.

Stadium and Gymnasium: They are southwest of the city stretching from east to west. The buildings between the stadium and gymnasium were connected to each other. The stadium was completed in 79 A.D. It is 350 meters long and 60 meters wide. Its construction is in amphitheater style with 24 rows of seats. Most of it is destroyed. According to the inscription, it was built in the 2nd century A.D. by the proconsul Gargilius Antioius in honor of Emperor Hadrianus and his wife, Sabina.
Monumental Nypheum: It's at the intersection of the main street and a side street. It's a Roman double-faced building with a pool and niches. It was repaired in the Byzantine Period.

Council Building: It's on the southwest side of the city. The building is rectangular extending east-west. The main entrance is on the east end.

Zeus Temple: The Temple is situated on the east side of the columnar street between the Small Theater and the Nypheum.