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Thyatira

Thyatira was an ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its trade guilds and mentioned in the Book of Revelation, now represented by the modern town of Akhisar. 

Location:  Situated in the region of Lydia, in Asia Minor, Thyatira was located on a major trade route connecting Pergamum and Sardis. 
Founding:  Founded as a military outpost by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, Thyatira became a strategic location for trade and military purposes. 
 
  • Trade and Industry: Thyatira was renowned for its guilds, particularly those of the dyers, tanners, and bronze workers, and was famous for producing a purple dye. 
  • Biblical Significance: Thyatira is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches of Asia Minor, and in the Book of Acts, where Paul met Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira.
  • Modern Akhisar: The ancient city of Thyatira now lies within the modern city of Akhisar, in Manisa Province, Turkey. 
Key Features and Significance:
 
  • Trade Route:  Thyatira was located at the crossroads of major routes, making it an important trade, industrial, and commercial center. 
  • Military Outpost: Originally founded as a military outpost, Thyatira played a strategic role in the region. 
  • Trade Guilds: The city was known for its well-organized trade guilds, particularly those of the dyers, tanners, and bronze workers. 
  • Early Christian Church: Thyatira is one of the seven churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and the early Christian church in Thyatira faced challenges, including the rise of false teachings. 
  • Lydia of Thyatira: Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from Thyatira, is mentioned in the Book of Acts, where she and her household were baptized by Paul.