Laodicea on the Sea
Laodicea on the Sea, located on the Syrian coast, was originally a Phoenician settlement before being refounded by Seleucus I Nicator in the early 3rd century BC. Named in honor of his mother, Laodice, the city thrived due to its strategic coastal position, which facilitated extensive trade in crops, linen, and wine, reaching markets as far as Egypt. Laodicea was part of a Tetrapolis, grouping with other cities founded by Seleucus, and held considerable importance, rivaling nearby Antioch. Although it gained independence around 100 BC, it eventually fell under Roman control, receiving autonomy and the honorary title of Julia during Caesar's visit. The city enjoyed prosperity after being restored by Emperor Septimius Severus post-sacking in the civil war of AD 193/4, achieving the status of a Roman colony. While many ancient structures, including temples and theaters, no longer exist, remnants such as colonnades and a monumental arch still mark the historical landscape. Coins from the imperial period depict significant figures and events, reflecting Laodicea's rich cultural and economic heritage.
Laodicea on the Sea
(Ad Mare), Laodikeia (Latakia)
Situated on the coast of Syria, occupying a rocky cape flanked on its west and south sides by the Mediterranean (where an excellent harbor was available east of the modern port), and on the east side by a pair of hills. Originally a Phoenician town, named Ramitha or Mazabda, the place was refounded by Seleucus I Nicator (301–281 BC) and named after his mother Laodice. Thanks to its favorable location, extensive middle-eastern trade, wealth in crops, linen, and exportation of wine (which went as far as Egypt), Laodicea achieved an importance scarcely inferior to that of Antioch, in association with which, together with Seleucus' other foundations of Apamea (Qalaat al-Mudik) and Seleucia Pieria, it formed a Tetrapolis, which issued coinage in the second century BC as `Brother Peoples.’
After achieving independence shortly before 100, Laodicea was brought under Roman rule by Pompey the Great (c 63), but received autonomy and the name of Julia on the occasion of Caesar's visit to Syria (47). After his death, his supporter Dolabella told a soldier to kill him to avoid capture by Cassius. The city's freedom was confirmed by Augustus. It was sacked by Pescennius Niger during his civil war with Septimius Severus (AD 193/4), but restored by the latter (in contrast with the degradation of Antioch) and granted the status of a Roman colony, enjoying a subsequent period of great prosperity.
The sanctuaries mentioned by ancient authors and inscriptions (including a shrine of Athena at which human sacrifices were said to have been offered) have disappeared, and so have an amphitheater (except for a few traces), a stadium, baths, and a two-storeyed lighthouse illustrated on a second-century coin. But colonnades and a monumental arch can still be seen, and it is possible to trace the perimeter of the ancient habitation center and to discern the plan of its colonnaded streets beneath the modern town. Coins of imperial date depict the armed statue of Artemis Brauronia, which Seleucus I brought from Susa in Persia to Laodicea, and celebrate an imperial benefaction of grain to its citizens (aeternum beneficium).