Archeologists, faith leaders and others interested in biblical history are finding different reasons to be excited about recent archeological finds in modern Turkey. Archeologists excavating the ruins of the 7,500-year-old city of Laodicea have found evidence of the city’s dual nature: a large council hall inscribed with ancient Christian symbols reveals its early connection to Christianity, and the signs of commerce hint at its wealth.

While archeologists focus on piecing together the city’s secular and religious past, faith leaders and Christian scholars see the ruins as tangible evidence of Laodicea’s existence and role in Scripture. Scholars agree that the city is remembered for its spiritual apathy and complacency, with many saying it had material wealth but was spiritually bankrupt.

Laodicea was the scene of small archeological excavations in the 1830s and mid-20th century. However, major work did not begin until 2003. Professor Celal Simsek of Pamukkale University, the excavation’s leader, has said the goal is to build a living archeology park at the site eventually.

According to Artnet, the ancient city had fertile soil and a profitable location on the trade route connecting Asia Minor and the eastern Mediterranean. These factors contributed to its affluence and eventual status as a judicial and administrative center.

To date, extensive excavations have confirmed that Laodicea was a sophisticated city — an important center of trade, banking, culture and Roman administration. Experts believe it had a population of roughly 80,000 people during its golden age in the 1st-3rd centuries A.D. At that time, other cities such as Tripolis and Hierapolis had half that number.

Excavations have uncovered the large council hall, which has unique architectural designs that interest archeologists, a stadium, two theaters, commercial markets, public baths and streets lined with pillars. During the 2025 dig season, the focus was on excavating the council hall.

Archeologists found an etching of a cross with Greek letters spelling “Christ” and another figure that could represent the Christian fish symbol. Names of council leaders and members were carved into the seats in the building, as well.

The inscriptions and Christian etchings could be meant to emphasize Laodicea’s importance to Rome and its growing Christian community. The city was also home to a large and prosperous Jewish population, as suggested by an epitaph for a Jewish woman who lived in Laodicea in the 3rd or 4th century A.D. A 2,000-year-old church structure also has been uncovered, along with frescoes on travertine walls, a 10-foot statue of emperor Trajan from the 2nd century, and a fountain that has been restored.

Scripture does not identify the person who started the church at Laodicea. However, that person might have been Epaphras, who had founded another nearby church and was a disciple of the apostle Paul.

The church at Laodicea is best known as one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. The Bible describes it as rich, but lukewarm physically and spiritually (Revelation 3:15-16). In the physical sense, archeologists found that the city had a sophisticated aqueduct system, indicating its water came from a spring some distance away. Consequently, the water was neither hot nor cold by the time it reached the residents of Laodicea — it was lukewarm.

The author of Revelation had this to say about the church in Laodicea: “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Christ also spoke of Laodicea. The city was known for the fine black wool it produced and the eye ointment created at its medical school. Yet, Christ advised residents, “So, I advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich,” Christ said. “Also buy white garments from me so that you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:18 NLT). Scholars say Christ was referring to spiritual riches, righteousness and wisdom in place of worldly wealth.

The excavation site is home to a large restored Christian basilica. It was built shortly after the Edict of Milan was announced in 313 A.D. and confirms Laodicea’s development as an early Christian center. The edict, which ended Rome’s centuries-old persecution of Christians, was issued by Constantine I and Licinius, who ruled the Roman Empire as co-emperors.

This edict declared that the state would no longer interfere in religious matters and that confiscated religious property would be returned to its rightful owners. It was a turning point for Christians and laid the groundwork for the faith’s eventual rise to dominance.

Constantine, who was a new convert to Christianity at the time, ruled the western part of the Roman Empire, and Licinius ruled in the East. They saw the policy as a way to stabilize the Roman Empire.

A series of powerful earthquakes destroyed Laodicea. A significant quake destroyed the city in 60 A.D., but its proud citizens refused assistance from Rome and rebuilt it themselves. Another earthquake in the 7th century A.D. devastated the city, and residents abandoned the area.