Laodikeia

The Black Wool of Laodikeia and the White Garments of Revelation.

Shepherd and flock, outside of Laodikeia, Türkiye.

I shot this photo hanging out the window and thinking about the ancient message to the church of the area. In the first century, Laodikeia was famous for its textile production (among other things). Glossy, black, and soft fleece tunics from here were coveted around the Mediterranean world. (These outer wraps were nicknamed trimata, suggesting either "three-shades" or "three knits." Laodikeia itself was even known as Trimataria or "trimata-town"!).

Black Wool vs. White Garments

Not surprisingly, John of Patmos declared that the Laodikeians were not as well-covered as they thought themselves to be. He urged them to reconsider the source of their wealth and to trade in their iconic black shells for "white garments" (Gk, himatia). Read the critique for yourself in Revelation 3:14-22.

See Biblical Türkiye with Fresh Eyes

Interested in reading the Bible with fresh eyes? See biblical Türkiye and the ruins of Laodikea. We are headed back there this summer! For details, follow this link to the brochure.

For a complete list of planned excursions to Europe, Asia, and Africa, see our trip list here.

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?