Seven churches
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128<br />
M. M. NINAN<br />
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Excavations<br />
A small-scale excavation of the site was carried out 1961-63 by a Canadian team led by<br />
Jean des Gagniers. The focus of their work was on the nymphaeum which was supplied<br />
water from the Baspinar Spring by an aqueduct that still survives. The nymphaeum was<br />
dated to the early 3rd century A.D.<br />
"Ephesian Gate"<br />
This triple-arched gateway was dedicated to Domitian (81-96). Apparently Laodicea<br />
received the gospel not from Paul but from his helper Epaphras during the time Paul was<br />
in Ephesus. Paul wrote the church here a letter during his first Roman imprisonment.<br />
This letter is not known historically and some have suggested that it is the letter now<br />
known as Ephesians.<br />
Laodicea lies at a major crossroads in the valleys of Asia Minor, in what today is Turkey.<br />
The city was situated on a hill overlooking fertile valleys and majestic mountains. In<br />
Roman times, the city was an important center for administration and commerce. Court<br />
cases from the region were heard at Laodicea and funds were placed in the city's banks<br />
for safekeeping. Although damaged by earthquakes during the reign of Augustus (27<br />
B.C.-A.D.14) and again in A.D. 60, the city kept rebuilding and prospering.
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