The second important group of ruins discovered in ancient Thyateira belongs to a monumental portico, which served as a grand entrance to a public area of the city. This portico stood on the western side of a colonnaded street, one of the main urban features of the Roman city. The marble columns of the portico originally rose to a height of about five meters, creating an impressive architectural effect for anyone entering the area The Promise to the Victor.
The architectural elements that can still be seen today—such as plinths, stylobates, columns, and capitals—are thought to date from the second century CE, a period of prosperity under Roman rule. The arches that connected the columns, however, belong to a later phase and are dated to the fourth century CE. This suggests that the structure was repaired or modified during the Late Roman period. The roof of the portico was probably made of wood, which explains why no remains of it have survived. Two large doorways provided access to the buildings located behind the portico, indicating that it served both decorative and practical functions.
The Colonnaded Street
The colonnaded street was one of the central streets of Thyateira. Its eastern side still lies beneath the modern street of today, making it impossible to measure its full width. Archaeological evidence shows that the street had a rubble-paved surface, which gently sloped toward the edges. This design helped rainwater flow away from the center of the road and prevented flooding, a common feature in Roman urban planning.
A City Without Natural Defences
Among all the cities mentioned in St John’s letters, Thyateira was unique because it was built on flat land and lacked any natural defences such as hills or cliffs. For this reason, the city was easily invaded and plundered by armies passing through the region, especially those traveling toward Pergamum. Its vulnerable location meant that Thyateira frequently suffered damage during times of war, even though it was an important economic center Sofia Guided Tours.
Jewish and Early Christian Communities
Like most cities of Asia Minor, Thyateira probably had a Jewish community, which provided the foundation for the early spread of Christianity. By the second half of the first century CE, a Christian community had likely formed in the city. This community later became important enough to receive one of the seven letters in the Book of Revelation.
St Paul and Lydia of Thyateira
According to the Acts of the Apostles, the first Christian convert that St Paul encountered on European soil was Lydia, a woman originally from Thyateira. This meeting took place during Paul’s second missionary journey in the mid-first century CE. Paul set out from Antioch with Silas, traveling through Cilicia, Phrygia, and Galatia. In Lystra, they were joined by Timothy.
When they reached the borders of Mysia and Bithynia, near Thyateira, the Holy Spirit prevented them from continuing in that direction. Instead, they turned toward Troas, from where they sailed to Samothrace and then to Neapolis, finally arriving at Philippi.
Trade, Guilds, and Economic Life
Philippi was a flourishing Roman colony located on the Via Egnatia, the main road connecting the eastern provinces to Rome. It was here that Paul met Lydia, who was a dealer in purple dye. The production of purple cloth, along with other dyes—especially the red dye made from madder root—was one of the main sources of wealth for Thyateira.
Coins from Thyateira show evidence of numerous trade guilds, including bakers, bronze workers, wool workers, potters, linen weavers, and tanners. This represents one of the richest collections of guilds known in Asia Minor at the time. These guilds likely maintained trade connections with Philippi, helping spread both the city’s goods and, indirectly, the Christian faith.
