Laodicea

Surprise Snowstorms: Following History to Sardis & Laodicea

Map showing the locations of Laodicia and Sardis in snow during a winter study-tour in Türkiye.

The Winter They Didn't See Coming: Lessons from Laodicea and Sardis

I'll never forget a January tour to Türkiye about 20 years ago when we visited the site of Laodicia in a snowstorm. We operated as usual (note the map in the snow!) and our students were undeterred.

I am reminded of how Cyrus the Great surprised the Lydians by marching through the winter cold to Sardis. Croesus, the Lydian king, had disbanded his army for the season, as was the habit in those days. I guess the Persians didn't get the memo. They did take Sardis tho! The year? 547 BC.

Note: For more on the wintertime defeat of the Lydians, see Herodotus's Histories (I.79-81 and I.84) or Xenophon’s Cyropaedia (2.1.6 and 7.1.23-28).

Join Us in the Sun (Not the Snow!)

Fortunately, we won’t face those freezing challenges when we visit Sardis and Laodicea next summer. We are heading back to these incredible biblical and historical sites in 2026, and we would love for you to be part of the journey.

Tour Details:

  • Destinations: Key sites across Türkiye, including the Seven Churches of Revelation.

  • When: Summer 2026.

  • Full Itinerary: Download the Türkiye Program PDF here.

Will you join us for this once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunity?

Laodicea at the Crossroads

The ancient ruins of the Laodicea stadium and street with the Lycus Valley in the background.

Laodicea at the Crossroads

The ancient site of Laodicea (Laodikea) sits upon a grassy ridge overlooking the fertile Lycus River valley in modern-day Türkiye. In the New Testament era, this city was a commercial powerhouse, straddling a major trade route that brought immense riches to its citizens. Today, ongoing excavations reveal the staggering wealth of its generous patrons through ornate theaters, vast stadiums, and marble-lined streets.

A Biblical Warning: Wealth vs. Worth

Laodicea holds a prominent place in the New Testament, mentioned by the Apostle Paul (Colossians 4:13) and more famously by the Apostle John. As one of the "Seven Churches of Revelation" (Revelation 3:14-22), the city received a sobering spiritual diagnosis.

While the citizens boasted, “I am rich,” the Spirit offered a different perspective: “You are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” The counsel given to the Laodicean church remains a timeless invitation to seek a wealth that endures—one found in character and divine companionship rather than gold and commerce.

Visit the Seven Churches with Us

Walking the ruins of Laodicea allows you to visualize the contrast between worldly success and spiritual legacy. We will be exploring this remarkable site during our upcoming tour:

  • Tour Name: Türkiye and the Early Church

  • Dates: March 31 – April 11, 2025

  • Highlights: Laodicea, Ephesus, Hierapolis, and more.

This unforgettable journey is priced to go, offering a unique opportunity to walk where the Apostles walked. Email us at BibleLandExplorer@gmail.com.