Jesus Speaks: Prosperous Philadelphia Chapter 14

Video Introduction Philadelphia and a New Name

For the Exegesis of the Message to Philadelphia See LINK

The ancient city of Pergamum holds a rich cultural and historical significance, particularly in the context of the message to the city of Philadelphia. This chapter will delve into the Graeco-Roman roots of Philadelphia and the Hebraic-Semitic origins of the message. Located at the crossroads of Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia, Philadelphia, meaning 'brotherly love,' was a thriving city known as the 'gateway to the east.' Its strategic location and fertile land contributed to its prosperity, although its susceptibility to seismic activity limited its population. Today, the modern city of Alaşehir stands on the ancient site, making excavations and recovery of artifacts limited. This chapter will provide a deep understanding of the historical background of this ancient city.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF PHILADELPHIA .....p. 379

Fig. 112. Stone relief of Attalus II (second cent. BC).

THE HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA .....p. 380

Ancient Philadelphia ......p. 380

Fig. 113. Coin from Neocaesarea with the head of Gallienus.
Fig. 114. Coin with the head of Vespasian and the name Flavi and image of Zeus.

Roman Philadelphia .....p. 382
Byzantine Philadelphia .....p. 382

Fig. 115. Basilica of St. John in Alaşehir (ancient Philadelphia).

Modern period.....p. 383

Fig. 116. Map of the Greek Orthodox Metropolises in Asia Minor (Anatolia).

THE POPULATION OF PHILADELPHIA .....p. 384

AN INDUSTRIOUS CITY .....p. 385

Fertile land .....p. 385

Fig.117. Coin from Philadelphia with bust of Augusta and a bunch of grapes.
Fig.118. Urban plan of the city of Philadelphia (modern Alaşehir).

Textile and leather .....p. 386

Fig. 119. Coin with the head of Trajan and a distyle temple.

A CULTURED CITY .....p. 387

The aqueduct .....p. 387
The theater .....p. 387

Fig. 120. The overgrown remains of the theater in Philadelphia.

The stadium .....p. 388
The temples.....p. 388

Fig. 121. Coin from Philadelphia with head of Domitian and statue of goddess.

A POLITICAL CITY .....p. 389

A RELIGIOUS CITY .....p. 390

The gods of Philadelphia .....p. 390

Fig. 122. Coin with head of Demos, and Aphrodite holding an apple.
Fig. 123. Coin with a portrait of Julia Domna and tetrastyle temple with Aphrodite.
Fig. 124. Coin with Demos with Athena holding Artemis Anaitis.
Fig. 125. Coin with Trajan Decius and Tyche with Dioskuri in the temple.
Fig. 126. Coin with head of Zeus Koryphaeos with Aphrodite holding an apple
Fig. 127. Coin with bust of Artemis, with quiver and arrows with Apollo.