Sardis

Sardis is a city in Asia Minor located in the Hermus River Valley near the Pactolus River, a tributary of the River Hermus. It was 60 miles east of Smyrna and about 60 miles west of Laodicea. Sardis had an abundance of gold from the Pactolus River and rich fertile land. The city was on an important commercial trade route making it a major ancient center for trade.

It was originally founded in the 15th century B.C. by the Heraclid Dynasty and later became the capital of the Lydian Empire. During the reign of Croseus, the last Lydian king, it was seized in 546 B.C. by Cyrus the Great of Persia. Sardis became the western capital of the Persian Empire. It was seized yet again by Alexander the Great, in 334 B.C. After his death, it became the western capital of the Seleucid Empire until around 190 B.C. Around that time, they began the construction of one of the largest temples in the ancient world dedicated to Artemis/Diana. In 220 B.C. , Achaeus, the Seleucid general, proclaimed himself as "King of Asia". In response to this, King Antiochus III took the city around 217 B.C. In 189 B.C. the Attalid Dynasty, of Pergamon, gained control over Sardis on behalf of Rome. When King Antiochus III died, Rome inherited all of his territory (according to his will). At that point, the residents of Sardis became citizens of the Roman Empire.

The city was destroyed by the A.D. 17 Earthquake. Tiberius, the emperor, gave them money to restore it. Due to the heavy blows from the earthquake, almost the entire city had to be leveled and rebuilt upon. During the Roman reigning era, the population ranged from around 60,000 to 100,000 people. The city had an extensive trade industry, a large stadium and multiple theaters. It began to decline around the 4th century A.D.

The church of Sardis had a reputation for being spiritually alive but Jesus rebukes them saying they are spiritually dead (similar to Matthew 23:27-28). He warns them to wake up and strengthen what remains because their deeds were not found complete in the sight of God. He continues to deliver a warning of judgement on the church. In contrast,  He says there are a few among them who are worthy. They have not “defiled their garments” and “walk with Him in white”. But for the rest, they need to "hold fast and repent" because they were on the edge of spiritual collapse.