Philadelphia (ancient city in Lydia)
Philadelphia, an ancient city in Lydia, was strategically located on a plateau at the foot of Mount Tmolus in western Asia Minor. Established around 159–138 BC by King Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum, the city was situated in a fertile valley along the river Corgamis and served as a crucial link between the valleys of the Hermus and Maeander. Philadelphia experienced significant cultural influences, evidenced by its coinage featuring a Macedonian shield, which suggests ties to earlier Seleucid foundations. Under Roman rule, it thrived, notably enjoying the patronage of Emperor Augustus due to the connections of a local citizen. However, the city faced frequent seismic activity, leading to substantial reconstruction efforts after a devastating earthquake in AD 17, during which it was renamed Neocaesarea. Philadelphia was also known for its vibrant religious life, celebrating festivals in honor of deities like Zeus Helios and Asclepius, which attracted pilgrims and fueled its economy. As one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Philadelphia's Christian community faced persecution and martyrdom, adding to its historical significance. Today, remnants of its ancient structures, including fortifications, a theater, and possibly a gymnasium, can still be observed.
Subject Terms
Philadelphia (ancient city in Lydia)
Philadelpheia (Alaşehir)
A city in Lydia (inland western Asia Minor), occupying a plateau on the lower slopes of Mount Tmolus (Boz Daǧ). The site commanded the fertile valley of the river Corgamis (Sarıkız Çayı) and a route linking the valleys of the Hermus (Gediz) and Maeander (Büyük Menderes). Although the appearance of a Macedonian shield on the coinage suggests amalgamation with an earlier Seleucid (Greco-Macedonian) foundation—probably a colony at Bebekli, seventeen miles to the northeast—the city of Philadelphia was established by King Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum (159–138 BC). Under subsequent Roman rule it enjoyed the favor of Augustus (31 BC–AD 14), because one of its citizens, Gaius Julius Dionysius, had taught him Greek and became his friend.
However, Philadelphia was so frequently subject to seismic disturbances that few of the inhabitants, according to Strabo, lived within its walls. After a particularly damaging earthquake in AD 17 the town was reconstructed with the aid of the emperor Tiberius and assumed the additional name of Neocaesarea, to which Flavia was added in honor of Vespasian (69–79). In the third century the city received additional honors. In imperial times its commercial life was organized through a series of trade guilds.
The coins issued at Philadelphia from the time of its foundation, and particularly under the Roman Principate, throw light on its religious cults and celebrations, which brought numerous pilgrims and much revenue to the city. Festivals were held in honor of Zeus Helios (also described as Lydios and Koryphaios) and of Asclepius, and under the emperor Gaius (Caligula, 37–41) a local official (archon) describes himself as priest of a shrine erected in memory of Gaius' father Germanicus. Remains of a temple were at one time visible outside the city walls. Portions of these fortifications, surrounding the three small spurs of an acropolis, are preserved, and traces of a theater and perhaps a gymnasium and stadium can be seen. Philadelphia was one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation, but its Christian population suffered numerous martyrdoms.