A Turkish project to excavate and restore the ancient stadium of Laodicea has been approved. Archaeologists have begun the process of renewal focusing on recovering the columns that once lined Stadium Street. While excavations have been ongoing in ancient Laodicea for 13 years, the stadium has only begun to be unearthed. It was once the site of a variety of sporting events as well as gladiator battles, and is the largest stadium of its era in all of Asia Minor, being over 800 feet long. The structure, which dates to the first century, is attached to a massive bath complex, testimony to the wealth of those in Laodicea. The apostle John was given a message from God to the church at Laodicea near the end of the first century and wrote, "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Rev. 3:17).
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- http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-stadium-in-denizli-under-restoration.aspx?pageID=238&nid=116945&NewsCatID=375
- https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.ca/2017/08/stadium-at-ancient-city-of-laodicea.html