The name of the city is mostly referred to as “Laodikeia on the shore of Lykos” in ancient sources. According to other ancient sources, the city was built between 261-263 BC. It was founded by Antiochus and the city was named after Antiochus’ wife, Laodike.
B.C. In 130/129, the region was completely connected to Rome (first the Republic, then the Empire). The city, which has one of the first 7 churches of Christianity, became a religious center at the metropolitan level during the Early Byzantine Period. It is thought that the great works of art in the city belong to the 1st century BC. The Romans also gave special importance to Laodicea. A series of high quality coins were minted in Laodicea during the reign of Emperor Caracalla. Many monumental structures were built in the city with the contributions of the people of Laodikeia. The presence of one of the 7 famous churches of Asia Minor in this city shows how important Christianity was here. A huge earthquake that took place in 60 AD destroyed the city.
According to Strabo, Leodikya was raising a kind of sheep famous for the soft raven black wool. The author also tells that these animals provided great income to the Leodicians. The city has also developed a well-known textile industry. A kind of cloth called “Laodicean” is mentioned in Diocletian’s edict. The tunics known as “Trimita” made in Leodikya were so famous that the city was called “Trimitaria”. Excavations in Leodikya were carried out between 1961-1963 by the researchers of the Canadian University of Quebec Laval, under the direction of Jean des Gagniers, and a very interesting fountain structure was completely unearthed. These successful works have been published together with a section that contains very good studies, especially on fountain structure.
