Turkey/Greece Trip -May 22, 2025 - Biblical Cities of the Lycus Valley
Fabulous day seeing 3 large sites from the world of the New Testament!
From Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:13
We started today with a hot air balloon ride over the Lycus valley. It really helps cement the geography of the valley and the position of Colossae, Laodicea and Hieropolis ( in addition to being beautiful and peaceful experience. Jacob loved it!).
We visited Hieropolis beginning at the northern necropolis looking for tombs with Jewish marking. Most of the group made the trek up the pilgrim road to St Philip’s Martyrium and the 5th century church. We saved a little time at the end to dunk our feet in the hot springs, then on to Laodicea.
In the Revelation to St John, Jesus calls the faith of the Laodicea Christians “neither hot nor cold”. Cold water coming to the city from Colossae and warm water coming from Hieropolis may indeed have resulted in lukewarm water like their faith. We were able to find some Christian graffiti in the agora at Laodicea, look at the house church and purpose built church and also see the newly restored Trajan Nymphaeum.
Our last stop was Miletus, where Paul gave a farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus, knowing he would be imprisoned and have to appear before the emperor. We were able to find the remains of the harbor lion which we’ve missed on our last trips. Also found the bouleterion (counsel house) which we’ve missed in the past. The site was as full of flies / thistles / cows / cow and sheep poop / and wicked thorny shrubs as ever - which really makes it feel more like an adventure - a favorite place for sure!
We stay near Ephesus for the next three nights - time enough to do some laundry!
Good night and God bless, PB, Margery and Jacob
The Lycus Valley where the Biblical cites of Hieropolis, Colossae and Laodicea are located.
