City Located in Phrygia

Phrygia was an ancient region located in what is now modern-day Turkey, and it was home to several important cities that played significant roles in history, mythology, and religion. Known for its rich culture, strategic location, and powerful kings such as Midas and Gordias, Phrygia attracted settlers, traders, and conquerors over the centuries. One notable city located in Phrygia was Hierapolis, renowned for its hot springs and religious significance. Another important city was Laodicea, famous for its wealth and place in early Christianity. Exploring the cities located in Phrygia helps us understand the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Anatolia and the legacy left behind by this once-powerful region.

Hierapolis: Sacred City of Phrygia

One of the most prominent cities located in Phrygia was Hierapolis. Situated near the modern town of Pamukkale, Hierapolis was established as a thermal spa by the Attalid kings of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the site had been used for its natural hot springs long before that.

Importance of the Thermal Springs

The hot springs of Hierapolis were believed to have healing properties, attracting people from across the ancient world. The city became a major center for health and wellness. These thermal waters deposited large amounts of calcium, creating the stunning white travertine terraces that can still be seen today.

The city’s sacred nature was emphasized by its religious architecture. The Temple of Apollo, one of its most important structures, was built over an active fault line that emitted poisonous gases. This area was called the Plutonium and was believed to be an entrance to the underworld. Priests conducted rituals there, adding to the city’s mystical aura.

Christian Influence in Hierapolis

Hierapolis also became an important city in early Christianity. It is traditionally believed to be the site where Saint Philip, one of the apostles of Jesus, was martyred. A large octagonal church was later built in his honor, making the city a pilgrimage destination. The presence of Christian ruins alongside Greco-Roman temples reflects the religious transitions in the city’s history.

Laodicea: Commercial Powerhouse of Phrygia

Another major city located in Phrygia was Laodicea, known for its commerce, banking, and medical advancements. The city was strategically situated near the river Lycus and flourished during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Wealth and Commerce

Laodicea was one of the wealthiest cities of the Roman Empire. Its prosperity came from its textile industry, particularly the production of fine black wool. The city also became a financial hub, home to many bankers and investors. Due to its strategic location on trade routes, Laodicea connected East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

Despite suffering from frequent earthquakes, Laodicea was always rebuilt using its own resources, a testament to its economic strength. The city’s grand theaters, stadium, aqueducts, and public buildings reflect its affluence and architectural prowess.

Religious Significance

Laodicea was mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia. It was criticized for being lukewarm in faith, a reference that resonates in Christian theology. The ruins of ancient churches in Laodicea reflect the city’s transition from paganism to Christianity during the Byzantine era.

Colossae: A City of Faith and Earthquakes

Colossae was another notable city located in Phrygia, situated near the present-day town of Honaz. Although smaller than Hierapolis and Laodicea, Colossae gained historical importance through its mention in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul.

Geographical Location and Vulnerability

Colossae was located in the Lycus River Valley and was known for its fertile land and wool production. It played a significant role in regional trade during earlier periods. However, it declined in prominence as neighboring cities like Laodicea rose in power. Colossae was eventually destroyed by a major earthquake in the 1st century CE and never fully recovered.

Christian Legacy

The Christian community in Colossae was addressed by Paul in one of his letters, showing the city’s early involvement in the spread of Christianity. Though little remains of the ancient city today, its religious significance has preserved its memory in Christian texts.

Gordium: Capital of Ancient Phrygia

Gordium holds the distinction of being the ancient capital of Phrygia and is one of the most legendary cities associated with the region. Located near the modern Turkish town of Polatlı, Gordium was the political and cultural heart of Phrygia during its early kingdom period.

King Midas and the Gordian Knot

Gordium is best known for its association with the mythical King Midas, whose touch was said to turn everything to gold. The story of the Gordian Knot also originates from this city. According to legend, an oracle predicted that whoever could untie the complex knot tied to an ox-cart in Gordium would become ruler of Asia. Alexander the Great famously sliced the knot with his sword, symbolizing his boldness and destiny to conquer.

Excavations at Gordium have uncovered ancient fortifications, royal tombs, and artifacts that reveal the richness of Phrygian civilization. The city played a crucial role in bridging the Bronze Age civilizations with the classical world that followed.

Other Notable Cities in Phrygia

In addition to the major urban centers, Phrygia was dotted with smaller towns and settlements, each contributing to the region’s cultural and historical fabric. Some of these include:

• Apamea Cibotus: A significant commercial hub along the trade routes connecting Asia Minor with the Levant.
• Synnada: Known for its marble quarries and as a center of Roman administration.
• Akmonia: An ancient city that held importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Phrygia’s Cultural Contributions

The cities located in Phrygia contributed richly to art, architecture, religion, and trade. The region was famous for its music and craftsmanship, particularly in bronze work and textiles. Many Phrygian myths, including those of Midas and Cybele, influenced Greek and Roman culture.

Phrygia also played a vital role in the early spread of Christianity, with several of its cities mentioned in religious texts and archaeological findings confirming the presence of churches and Christian communities.

A city located in Phrygia often carries layers of history that blend myth, religion, and real-world power. From Hierapolis with its sacred springs to Laodicea’s financial strength, and from Colossae’s biblical mention to Gordium’s legendary stories, each urban center reveals something unique about this ancient land. These cities not only defined the region’s identity but also contributed to the broader history of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. Today, their ruins stand as a testament to the cultural and historical richness that once made Phrygia a thriving and influential region.