Day 9 – Tuesday, June 16: Antalya, Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Pamukkale
Today was thew warmest day yet, with temps in the low 90s and full sun. During the course of the day we visited the first of the seven churches of Revelation. We read portions of Colossians as we left the hotel at 7:35 a.m.
Colossae
The drive to Colossae took us on a road that followed an ancient road in Roman times. The drive took us about three hours, but we stopped on the way at small Turkish shop for bathrooms and “goodies.” Located on the slopes of the mountain range about 20 minutes from Laodicea, Colossae is presently an un-excavated site (although preparations are underway to begin digging here in 2026!) The city 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, we cannot be certain Paul was actually in Colossae, for he wrote, “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). Most in the group climbed to the top of the site. The view from the top of the site was very good, looking in all directions. On the mountain side are springs that fed a river that flowed past the site.
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 and the production of textile/cloth that was black in color. We saw many things here, including many Byzantine churches (one from an earlier period – 2nd century AD), a large Temple (from an earlier period) dedicated to Aphrodite, Artemis, and Zeus. The two theaters (on the north and west) were built on the steep slopes of the site. The Hellenistic theater has been excavated (and restored) while the Roman one has not. The city also had a few marketplaces (agoras) and a stadium not yet excavated (some in the group walked out to see it among all the hollyhocks). Lastly, Laodicea had two elaborate water distribution centers. It brought cold water from the snow-capped mountains and the river that flowed through Colossae, and the hot water from the other direction from Hierapolis. This church was criticized for being “lukewarm.” We read from Revelation 3:14-22 inside one of the Byzantine churches.
“It was another great day! All the mountains here in Turkey took many of by surprise. The country is a very beautiful mountainous country, with many amazing archaeological sites. While it was a warm day (90s), we enjoyed the connections with Paul and now with the 7 Churches.”
Hierapolis
Our last site of the day (which we could see from Laodicea) was Hierapolis. We saw the highlights of the ruins. The site itself spans about 2.5 miles. We first walked into the site to the area of the white calcium/lime deposits caused by the hot springs. Many enjoyed sticking their feet into the hot channel of water. Following this, many in the group hiked up to the “traditional” Tomb of Philip (dating to the 5th-6th century, and we cant be sure it was the “Philip” of the Bible) and one of the most intact and complete theaters in the Roman world. It even incudes the back section (scanae) that extended high above the stage and orchestra area. It dates to the 2nd century AD.
The drive to the hotel in Pamukkale only took about 10 minutes. After checking in, some in the group enjoyed Turkish baths. We ate together at 7:30 before retiring for the evening. We leave early tomorrow (7 a.m.) and will see four more of the 7 Churches. It was another great day! What a beautiful country!
Day 10 – Wednesday, June 17: Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum – Acropolis, Izmir
