Originally founded as a military outpost, it failed at this because its
nearest water supply was six miles away, making the town vulnerable
to siege. Despite this shortcoming, it developed into a financial center,
becoming one of the world's wealthiest cities. When Laodicea was lev-
eled by an earthquake in 61 A.D., it refused help from Rome, rebuilding
the city with its own funds.
industry. But it also turned out
mass quantities of cheap outer
garments as well. Laodicea was
known as a medical center as
well, famous for its eye salve that
was exported around the world.
tion, they posed no threat to
Christianity there because the
Laodicean church was so anemic.
In Revelation 3:14�22, Jesus
identified Himself to this weak
church as "Amen, the faithful and
true witness" (vs. 14). Amen sig-
nifies something significant, wor-
thy of special note. As the One
who is faithful and true, Jesus de-