LAODICÆA on the Lycus, (anc. geog.), a town of Phrygia, at first called Diopolis, then Rboas. It was built by Antiochus son of Stratonice, and called after his consort Laodice. Its memory is consecrated in scripture, being one of the seven churches to which St John in the Apocalypse addresses himself, commended by St Paul; the town is mentioned by Cicero as considerable for trading.