Even in ancient times the territory of modern Pamukkale town famous for its extraordinary healing thermal springs. Even then, they attracted thousands of people who stayed in the ancient city of Laodicea, located near the slope. The settlement was founded in the second century BC, and in 190 AD, in its place was built another city - Hierapolis, which repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt again. Wealthy residents of Laodicea built a system of watercourses for hot water sources, diverting it to private pools and spas, thus damaging the lower portion of the terraces. The city was not only a major cultural center of his time, but also one of the most famous spa resorts, which came to visit the rulers of the peoples who inhabited the territory of modern Turkey.

Laodicea was built on a small plateau, sandwiched between the two river valleys and snow-capped mountain ranges have always Akdag, which reach heights of 2571 meters. The location was convenient to observe two important trade routes through the mountains, and this was due to the prosperity of the city. Laodicea became famous thanks to glossy black hair, from which maketh black clothes and carpets. The city was also the center of the medical school and the development of calls - known eye salve. The settlement was a fortress, but it had one very weak spot - the water came to the inhabitants of the sources of underground water supply that exceeds ten kilometers. It was very dangerous to the besieged city.

In the first century BC, the city was under the control of the Roman Empire, after the collapse of which he was under Byzantine rule. In the era of the spread of Christianity was founded here one of the "Seven Churches" Anatolia, which has references to the Apocalypse and the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. In 1097 Laodicea was captured by the Turks as a result of incessant wars between the Byzantine Empire was destroyed. The city ceased to exist after a few earthquakes and its inhabitants founded a new close - Denizli.

The ruins of the ancient city of Laodicea are 13 kilometers away from the Pamukkale, close to the road to Denizli, and are one of the most vivid historical sites in Turkey. Now you can explore the dilapidated nymphaeum, quite victim stadium built in the first century, a complex term, the gymnasium, the foundation of the Ionic temple and two theaters - big and small. Turkish archaeologists have unearthed is the main street, residential quarters, two amphitheatres and a Christian basilica. Employees of the University of Denizli in 2005, carried out archaeological excavations in the ruins of the ancient city and the famous church of Laodicea. Earlier Laodicea anybody not seriously investigated.