Philadelphia was founded by Attalus II of the Kingdom of Pergamum in 189 BC. It was a relatively young city when compared to similar cities of Anatolia. It was built upon an elevated terrace above the valley which lay on the Persian Royal Road.
Because of its founder's love and loyalty for his brother Eumenes II, the city was called Philadelphia which meant "city of brotherly love".
There is not much to see from the early days of the city except some ruins of city walls composed of rough stone blocks of coarse workmanship and a basilica. The workmanship, the type of arches and materials used in the construction indicate that the building dates from the late Byzantine period.
Philadelphia achieved its fame as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Philadelphia, One of the Seven Churches of Revelation
Philadelphia and Smyrna were the only two churches about which nothing negative was said by John.
(Revelation 3:7-13)
(7) "Write this letter to the leader of the church in Philadelphia:
"This message is sent to you by the one who is holy and true and has the key of David to open what no one can shut and to shut what no one can open.
(8) "I know you well; you aren't strong, but you have tried to obey and have not denied my Name. Therefore I have opened a door to you that no one can shut.
(9) "Note this: I will force those supporting the causes of Satan while claiming to be mine (but they aren't-they are lying) to fall at your feet and acknowledge that you are the ones I love.
(10) "Because you have patiently obeyed me despite the persecution, therefore I will protect you from the time of Great Tribulation and temptation, which will come upon the world to test everyone alive. (11) Look, I am coming soon! Hold tightly to the little strength you have-so that no one will take away your crown.
(12) "As for the one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God; he will be secure and will go out no more; and I will write my God's Name on him and he will be a citizen in the city of my God- the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven from my God; and he will have my new Name inscribed upon him.
(13) "Let all who can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
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