What is…
Thyatira

also known as: Thyateira, Pelopia, Semiramis and Akhisar

This is an ancient Greek city in Lydia, Asia Minor, about 50 miles (80 km) from the Aegean Sea.

Location of Smyrna on 50 AD map
Map circa 50 AD showing Thyateira’s location.

This was the location of one of the seven churches mentioned by Christ in the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:11; 2:18-28).

The Apostle Paul and Silas may have visited Thyatira during Paul’s 2nd or 3rd journey, Acts 16:13–16. They visited several small unnamed towns in the general vicinity during the 2nd journey.

While in Philippi, Paul and Silas stayed with a businesswoman named Lydia from Thyatira who continued to help them even after they were jailed and released.

Lydia was a seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this color (Acts 16:14).

Thyatira was and still is famous for its dyeing. Among the ruins, inscriptions have been found relating to its ancient guild of dyers.

Ancient inscriptions also mention wool-workers, linen-workers, makers of outer garments, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave-dealers, and bronze-smiths

The city’s modern name is Akhisar, i.e., “white castle.”

Location of modern Akhisar, Turkey

More information

Article Version: November 23, 2024