Hierapolis hot springs near Laodicea

Hierapolis barely makes a mention in the New Testament, but it offers an incredible insight into one of the most quoted passages in Revelation. Hierapolis was near both Laodicea and Colossae, so much so that Paul mentions the city in Colossians 4:13. Built over the source of natural hot springs, Hierapolis became known as a healing center. The minerals in the water cause the distinctive white coverings of the hills. Across the valley, Colossae benefitted from refreshing cold water from Mt. Cadmus, the tallest mountain in the region. The people of Laodicea are told in their letter from Christ (Revelation 3:14-22), that their “lukewarm” approach to the Gospel was sickening. It would have been better to have been around the healing hot waters of Hierapolis, or to be refreshed by the cold waters of Colossae. Both locations were easily seen from Laodicea. Philip the disciple spent the last years of his life in Hierapolis, eventually suffering crucifixion on the hill that overlooks the city. He was buried at the location.