Thyatira was located in a long valley. Unlike most cities built for defense, which were on hills or rocky areas, Thyatira was built in the middle of the valley on a small rise. The city’s strength came from the fact that Rome stationed its elite guard there to protect it.
History of Thyatira
The city was first built by Lysimachus, and later rebuilt by Seleucus I, the founder of the Seleucid dynasty, whose empire stretched from the Hermus Valley to the Himalayas. However, the city eventually fell to the enemy. No city in the area was destroyed and rebuilt as much as Thyatira. Because of this, the ruins of the city today are very small and disappointing to visit Philadelphia The Revived Church.
Economy and Importance of Thyatira
Under the Roman emperor Vespasian, Thyatira became a prosperous city. It was known for many guilds, which are like trade groups. Some of these guilds included potters, tanners, weavers, robe makers, and dyers. The city was especially famous for its dyeing industry, which produced a purple dye known today as Turkey red. This dye came from a plant that grew in the area.
One famous person from Thyatira was Lydia, a woman who sold purple cloth and became Paul’s first convert in Europe (see Acts 16:14) Private Tour Istanbul.
Sardis The Protestant Church
In church history, Sardis represents the Protestant church from around A.D. 1517 to A.D. 1800. This period began with Martin Luther posting his Ninety-Five Theses in Wittenberg, Germany, which led to the Reformation. The Protestant movement started here and later helped begin the great missionary movements in the church.
History and Location of Sardis
Sardis was the capital of the Lydia Kingdom and one of the oldest and most important cities in Asia Minor. The city was located inland, on a small elevated plateau above the Hermus Valley. The rock walls around the city were smooth and almost impossible to climb. The only way to reach the city was from the southern side by a steep and difficult path.
When I visited Sardis, a friend and I tried to climb the path. My friend went a bit farther than I did, but we both gave up before reaching the top.
