Laodikeia

The scanty remains of Laodikeia are scattered over an undulating plateau (1sq.km/0.4sqmi) which is crossed by the road from Eskihisar to Goncali. Three gates allowed entry through the walls and the ruins of an ancient bridge are visible below the northwest gate. A short distance beyond the walls lies a necropolis. This gate to Ephesus, triple arched and flanked by towers, was devoted to the Emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96). On the southwest side stand a number of buildings built under Vespasian (A.D. 69-79) including a stadium (350x60m/380x65yd) and a large building known as the Palati which was either a gymnasium or a bath-house. An aqueduct bringing water from the spring of Bas Pinar (beside the old administrative offices in Denizli) ended in a 5m/16ft high water-tower from which water was distributed to the various parts of the city.

To the northeast an odeion stands on a hillside terrace. In the middle of the hill to the left lie the remains of a Roman nymphaeum which was excavated in 1962/63 by French archeologists. A square water pool with a semi-circular fountain and a number of chambers is flanked on two sides by pillars. The complex was later used as a chapel. Close by the remains of a larger Ionic temple can be seen and on the northeastern edge of the plateau lie the scanty remains of a large theater. Further north there is a smaller and better preserved theater. The acropolis at the northern tip is relatively small.