What is Laodicea known for?
Laodicea minted its coins that bore the images of Zeus, Asclepius, Apollo, and later – the Roman emperors, from the 2nd century BCE. In the Roman period, the city was famous for its bankers. Even the famous Roman orator and statesman, Cicero, used their services.
Who founded the Church of Laodicea?
Laodicea, the ancient name of several cities of western Asia, mostly founded or rebuilt in the 3rd century bce by rulers of the Seleucid dynasty and named after Laodice, the mother of Seleucus I Nicator, or after Laodice, daughter (or possibly niece) of Antiochus I Soter and wife of Antiochus II Theos.
What kind of a city was Laodicea?
During the Roman period Laodicea was the chief city of a Roman conventus, which comprised 24 cities besides itself; Cicero records holding assizes there ca.
How many churches have been found at Laodicea?
Archaeologists have discovered about 20 ancient Christian chapels and churches at the site. The largest church at Laodicea, called the Church of Laodicea took up an entire city block and dates to the beginning of the fourth century.
What was Laodicea known for in the Bible?
Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. It was the location of a temple dedicated to Asklepios.
Is the Laodicean church lukewarm?
Mark R. Fairchild of Huntington University explores the Laodicean church’s lukewarm reputation, while examining the recent archaeological excavations at Laodicea, Turkey, in his article “Laodicea’s ‘Lukewarm’ Legacy: Conflicts of Prosperity in an Ancient Christian City,” published in the March/April 2017 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.
What did Jesus say about the Church of the Laodiceans?
Of all Jesus’ comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit.