THYATIRA HISTORY

Thyatira
(Acts 16:14; 19:10; Revelations 1:11; 2:18-29)

INTRODUCTION & HISTORY

Thyatira was the fourth of the seven Churches of Asia Minor to receive an epistle from the Apostle John (Rev. 2:18-29). The letter written to this church is the longest letter of 7 letters. It is full of accusations and blame for those participating in forbidden acts such as eating meat sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality.

An important trade center particularly for the textile industry of Hellenistic and Roman times, the city lay along a low lying corridor that followed a north south river bed connecting the Caicus and Hermes River beds (Pergamum - Smyrna – Laodicea Road). Though the city existed earlier, it reached notoriety when reconstructed by Seleucus Nicator about 300 BC. It was said that while he designed the city, he was informed of the birth of his daughter. He name the city after the news (“thygater” is Greek for “daughter”). It was a cultic center to Apollo (the sun god), and apparent home of the wealthy trade guilds. It was for centuries a frontier fort, first for the western edge of Seleucus I or Syria's territory, then the eastern frontier of the Pergamene Kingdom. Although Thyatira that was established by as a Lydian city, it became a Macedonian colony later on. In the year 133 BC, it became the part of the Roman Empire. Located in a fertile plain without any natural defenses-Akhisar has been always subject to all kind of attacks. This was the home town of Lydia, rich widow whom Paul met in Philippi in Macedonia during his second missionary trip. The city was an important industrial center reputed because of its trade unions for wool, clothing and purple dyes.

The city was wealthy in ancient times, with its gentle rolling hills and fertile valleys. Ramsey expressed that the connection with this inland road was what made Pergamon important, so it gave careful attention to the cities that gave free course to the trade industry. It had a garrision maintained there (first Seleucids, then Pergamene, then Roman). Ramsey notes that “The condition of Thyatira was the best measure of the power of Pergamum.” It was considered by some ancients to be a city of Mysia, but to others a city of Lydia.

The combination of a low plateau for an Acropolis and the sloping valley surrounding it, gave an impression of the city as more cosmopolitan and open, as opposed to the more austere cliffs at Pergamum. The church at Thyatira, visited by St. Paul (Acts 19:10) and represented by a convert who was away doing business in Philippi (Lydia, cp. Acts 16:14) was also more open to heresy. The letter of St. John to the church suggests that her openness and gentleness in the face of heresy (Jezebel and Nicolaitines) was her downfall (Rev. 2:18-23). About 150 AD, Montanus began a cult practice from Thyatira, claiming his prophetesses spoke with the voice of the Holy Spirit (hence, Montanism). The city was wealthy, but did not reach its zenith until the C2nd AD. The trade guilds that flourished there included wool workers, garment workers, linen workers, leather workers, dyers (purple), bakers, potters, slave dealers and bronze smiths. Each guild was accompanied by its patron gods and in many cases included immoral practices in participation with the guild members. A faithful Christian may have found it difficult to live his faith, as well as practice his craft.

Since modern town of Akhisar is located on the ancient roads and has been subject to invasions and destruction, there is very little left from the ancient city. Besides this, modern city is built over the ancient town. One can still see the ruins of a columned street and an impressive Byzantine structure which is recognized as church or an administrative building. Points of interest for the visitor today include the ruins of a temple. Thyatira's ancient ruins were left untouched until Rustem Duyuran began to excavate the site from 1968 to 1971. Numerous inscriptions were found (21 sent to Manisa Museum), along with the location of the colonnaded stoa and other public buildings.

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