Day 14 – Friday, September 23: Hierapolis, Laodicea, Collosea, Kusadasi
Today was our third day here in Turkey. The weather was perfect, with cloudless blue skies, a cool and crisp start in the morning, and highs in the low 70s. Today’s first two sites were enormous and quite incredible in every way. We read from Colossians 4 that mentions both Laodicea and Hierapolos.
Hierapolis
We left the hotel this morning at 8 a.m. and drove straight to Hierapolis (Pamukkale). We spent two hours at this large site, and saw a lot of the ruins. We first walked into the site to the area of the white calcium deposits caused by the hot springs. Most of us enjoyed sticking our feet into the hot channel of water. On our own we then walked through the rest of the site. One of the most intact and complete theaters in the Roman world is here. It even incudes the scainea, the back section that extended high above the orchestra area.
Laodicea
Across the valley is Laodicea, another huge archaeological site. The city was named after the wife of the Seleucid rule named Antiochus II. In the days of the NT, the city was known for its eye salve. We saw many things here, including a church (from the 2nd century AD), a large Temple (from an earlier period) dedicated to Aphrodite, Artemis, and Zeus. The theaters (on the north and west) were built on the steep slopes of the site. The city also had a few marketplaces (agoras) and a stadium not yet excavated. Lastly, Laodicea had two elaborate water distribution centers. It brought cold water from the snow-capped mountains near Collosae and hot water from the other direction from Hierapolis. This church was criticized for being “lukewarm.” We read from Revelation 3:14-22.
“The two sites we saw today were very larger and impressive! Hierapolis and Laodicea are both mentioned in Colossians. Laodicea was the one church accused of being “lukewarm.”
Collosea
Located on the slopes of the mountain range 20 minute drive from Laodicea is Collosea. Today, this is an un-excavated site. It served as a home of Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul in Rome in the early 60s AD when Paul wrote a letter to the church here. While Paul passed through this region on his mission journeys, there cannot be certain Paul was actually in Colosse. “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh” (Colossians 2:1). On the other hand, Paul mentions to Philemon to prepare a guest room for him here (Philemon 1:22). A few in the group climbed to the top of the site. The only thing on top to see were grapes laid out to dry into raisins.
Kusadasi
The drive west to Kusadasi took about 3.5 hours. This is a beautiful part city on the Aegean Sea. After we arrived at our hotel, we walked a few blocks for dinner. Following dinner, some in the group enjoyed walking around and experiencing the local Turkish culture.
Day 15 – Saturday, September 24: Miletus, Ephesus, Flight from Izmir to Istanbul
