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Lycaonia

Locations
Modern Location Central Turkey
Coordinates 38.5000, 32.5000

Geographical Setting

Lycaonia was an ancient region in south-central Anatolia characterized by a high plateau and semi-arid climate.

What is the meaning of Lycaonia in the Bible?

Lycaonia was a historical region in central and southern Asia Minor, situated between Galatia, Cappadocia, Cilicia Tracheia, Pisidia, and Phrygia, featuring a level plain with limited vegetation and water sources.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the geography of Lycaonia provides context for the New Testament accounts of Paul and Barnabas visiting cities such as Lystra and Iconium, illustrating the challenging travel conditions and cultural environment of their missionary journeys.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Lycaonia (located near modern Central Turkey) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Lycaonia in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Lycaonia clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Lycaonia." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lycaonia/
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