Laodicea on the Lycus, Archaeological site in Denizli Province, Turkey
Laodicea on the Lycus is an archaeological site in Denizli Province in Turkey with Roman-era remains spread across limestone hills. Two theaters stand beside a stadium and several bath complexes while columns and foundations of religious buildings lie scattered among the ruins.
Antiochus II of the Seleucid Empire founded the settlement in the third century before Christ at trade routes linking east and west. Merchants and travelers turned it into a major economic center in the region during Roman rule.
Black wool textiles from this area made the city's workshops famous throughout the ancient world and the medical school supplied remedies including salves for eye ailments. Visitors today can still see the remnants of pharmacies and workplaces where these products were crafted and brought wealth to the settlement.
The excavation areas remain open daily from sunrise to sunset all year and lie near Denizli. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes because of uneven terrain and bring sun protection as there is little shade.
An intricate system of clay pipes and distribution terminals brought water through the entire ancient metropolis despite limited natural sources. Remnants of these conduits show engineering solutions that planners developed over two thousand years ago to supply residents.
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