Laodikeia is situated in a good geographical location on the south side of the Lycus River, 6 km north of Denizli. The city was called ''Laodikeia on the side 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 important 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 completely destroyed by the earthquake.
Ruins of Laodikeia
Big Theater: It's situated on the northeast of the city. It is built in Greek style, which is similar to Roman construction style. The scene is completely destroyed, but the cavea and orchestra are still standing. Its seating capacity is about 20,000.
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. It 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.
Zeus Temple: The Temple is situated on the east side of the columnar street between the Small Theater and the Nypheum.