Philadelphia

fil-uh-DEL-fee-uh · Modern Alaşehir, Turkey · Also called Alaşehir

Philadelphia is a city of the biblical world, known today as Alaşehir, Turkey.

What is known

One of the seven churches of Revelation, the second (with Smyrna) to receive no criticism, only commendation for its faithfulness (Revelation 3:7-13)
Not to be confused with the modern American city of the same name

History

Founded: Founded by the Pergamene king Attalus II Philadelphus in the 2nd century BC
Population: Estimated 10,000–15,000 residents in the 1st century AD
Coordinates: 38.3500° N, 28.5170° E

Archaeology

Because ancient Philadelphia lies directly beneath modern Alaşehir, excavation has been limited, and most standing remains are Byzantine rather than 1st-century. The main visible ruin is the domed Basilica of St. John, built around AD 600; far less is known archaeologically about the church addressed in Revelation 3, since so little of the Roman-period city has been excavated.

Ruins of the Byzantine Basilica of St. John in Alaşehir (ancient Philadelphia) — source & licence

Scripture references

Revelation 1:11
Revelation 3:7-13

On a modern map

Philadelphia today

More places

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