Image Details

© Mark R. Fairchild, Huntington University

CHURCH OF LAODICEA. Dated to the beginning of the fourth century C.E., the Church of Laodicea spanned a whole city block. It measured 45 by 42 yards, which made it the largest church in Laodicea. The church faced east (shown here) and was decorated with marble floors. In the middle of the nave is the speaker’s ambo (podium). A bema (platform) and an altar, along with decorated chancel screens, sat at the far eastern end of the Church of Laodicea’s nave. Below the altar, archaeologists found a water basin and miniature bottles, which suggest that holy water was bottled and given to pilgrims.