More excavations in Hierapolis

Hierapolis is much lesser known than Pamukkale, the hot water springs that are slowly swallowing the ancient city once built next to this natural phenomenon (see: Hierapolis, stepchild of Pamukkale). 

The original city grew around a temple erected close to the thermal springs in the first half of the 7th century BC. Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city,” was founded in 190 BC by Eumenes II, King of Pergamon then. 

Recent excavations have been carried out in private houses north of the city, close to the agora and the theatre. These were small residences believed to be meant for four to seven people. Inside, archaeologists found small items like coins, ceramics, and lamps. Based on finds such as a round millstone and traces of olive oil production, it was believed that Hierapolis was an important rural town. 

Besides the houses near the theater, further restorations and diggings were carried out at the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip, the theatre, the Monumental Fountain, and the Sanctuary of Apollo next to the Plutonium. This monument has been considered the Gateway to Hades because it is built over a seismic fault emitting toxic gasses. 

Hierapolis was abandoned after the severe earthquake of the 7th century AD, during which the marble portico of the Temple of Apollo collapsed into the spring waters of the nearby Nympheum. 

Today, visitors are welcome to swim between the idyllic marble columns among luxuriant flowers and bushes of pink laurel.