Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium
The Şimşek excavations that turned a bare hill into a city of Revelation
Found 2003 — Celal Şimşek, Pamukkale University, Denizli (excavations from 2003, continuing)
Where Laodicea on the Lycus (Laodikeia), near Denizli (Turkey)
Dates from Stadium dedicated 79 CE; Temple A 1st–2nd century CE; theatres Hellenistic–Roman · Roman Imperial · Message to Laodicea (Revelation 3); Colossians 4
Now at In situ; finds in Denizli Museum (Hierapolis) and on site
How Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium was found
Before 2003 Laodicea was an unexcavated mound with a few visible ruins. Şimşek's large teams have cleared the colonnaded streets, Temple A, the western theatre (restored 2016–2023), the odeon, churches and fountains; the stadium's dedication inscription to Vespasian had already been recorded by 19th-century travellers.
What it is
Temple A is a marble podium temple with a restored colonnade, dedicated to Apollo and later, under Diocletian, used for the imperial cult and finally as an archive of the Laodicean church. The western theatre (about 15,000 seats) has been fully restored. The stadium, 285 m long, was dedicated to Vespasian in 79 CE by a citizen named Nicostratus.
Why it matters for the Bible
Laodicea's water and church have their own entry; these finds fill in the wealthy, self-sufficient city that boasted 'I am rich... and need nothing' (Revelation 3:17). Rebuilt at its own expense after the earthquake of 60 CE (Tacitus), Laodicea refused imperial aid — the perfect background for a church told it was really 'poor, blind and naked'. Ancient writers mention a medical school and a Phrygian eye powder from the region, the likely background of 'eye salve' in 3:18, though no such remains have been dug up.
The Hebrew word: POOCH
פּוּךְ
פּוּךְ is pronounced POOCH and means eye-paint, antimony powder — the Hebrew word behind 'eye salve' imagery (Strong's H6320).
People this discovery connects to
- Epaphras — אֶפַּפְרָס (e-paf-RAHS) — Greek Epaphras; Colossian who laboured for Laodicea (Colossians 4:12-13)
Places
- Laodicea — לָאוֹדִיקֵיָא (lah-o-dee-KAY-ah) — Greek Laodikeia, named for the Seleucid queen Laodice
Events
Message to the assembly at Laodicea · Earthquake of 60 CE and rebuilding
Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium in Scripture
Colossians 2:1 First mention of Laodicea in Scripture.
Colossians 4:15-16 The letter to be read also in Laodicea; the church that later kept its archive in Temple A.
Revelation 3:17-18 'I am rich... buy eye salve' — the self-funded monuments and the region's eye medicine.
Questions people ask
What is Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium?
Temple A is a marble podium temple with a restored colonnade, dedicated to Apollo and later, under Diocletian, used for the imperial cult and finally as an archive of the Laodicean church. The western theatre (about 15,000 seats) has been fully restored. The stadium, 285 m long, was dedicated to Vespasian in 79 CE by a citizen named Nicostratus.
When was Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium discovered?
It was found in 2003 by Celal Şimşek, Pamukkale University, Denizli (excavations from 2003, continuing), at Laodicea on the Lycus (Laodikeia), near Denizli.
Where is Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium today?
In situ; finds in Denizli Museum (Hierapolis) and on site.
Which Bible verses does Laodicea: Temple A, the Western Theatre and the Stadium relate to?
Colossians 2:1, Colossians 4:15-16, Revelation 3:17-18.
Related discoveries
- פּוֹשֵׁרLaodicea: Lukewarm Water and the Early ChurchCalcified pipes, the Hierapolis hot springs, and a 4th-century church in the city that was 'neither hot nor cold'
- קְהִלָּהColossae: First Excavations and the Rock-Cut NecropolisThe last unexcavated city of the New Testament finally opened in 2025
- אֱלִילִיםRed Basilica (Temple of the Egyptian Gods), PergamonHadrian's giant brick temple to Serapis and Isis, later a church of St John
- עַמּוּדPhiladelphia (Alaşehir): Basilica of St John and City WallsThree brick pillars in a city that promised its faithful a 'pillar in the temple'
- מְלָאכָהThyatira: Tepe Mezarlığı and Hastane Höyüğü ExcavationsThe colonnaded street and mounds of Lydia's city of craft guilds
- שֵׁםTemple of Artemis at SardisOne of the largest Greek temples, standing unfinished beside a later church
Sources
- Celal Şimşek — Pamukkale University (Academia)
- Laodicea's ancient theater restored (Hürriyet Daily News)
- Archaeological site of Laodikeia (UNESCO tentative list)
- HolyLandPhotos blog: Laodicea Temple A
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