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?

At a Crossroads

The site of Laodicea (Laodikea) is represented by remains found on a grassy ridge near the Lycus River in modern Türkiye. In the period of the NT it straddled a trade route and grew wealthy. Ongoing excavations here today offer testimony to the wealth of its generous patrons. Views in all directions suggests great fertility and beauty.

Laodicea is mentioned in the NT by the Apostles Paul (Col 4:13) and John. The latter includes it as one of the "Seven Churches of the Revelation" (Rev 3:14-22). Emphasis is placed on its admitted wealth: "You say, 'I am rich'; but the Spirit says "you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." Counsel is given to seek a different kind of company and a wealth that endures.

We will be visiting the site of Laodicea on our Mar 31-Apr 11, 2025 tour of "Türkiye and the Early Church." This unforgettable journey is priced to go. Check out the details.