Hierapolis

Ancient Hierapolis

Hierapolis was an ancient city whose remains are located near present-day Pamukkale, Turkey. Known for its natural terraces - travertine basins, remarkable history and rich culture, the city offers a unique insight into life and art that existed for more than two thousand years.

Hierapolis was founded in the second half of the 2nd century BC (around 190 BC) in the region of Phrygia. It was founded by the Phrygians, but the city soon developed under the influence of Greek and later Roman cultures. Its geographical location, close to hot springs, rich in mineral salts, contributed to the rapid development of the city.

The hot springs contributed to the development of spa tourism, as visitors were attracted to the healing properties of the mineral waters. When Hierapolis came under Roman rule in the 1st century AD, the city experienced its greatest prosperity. At its peak, the city had a population of approximately 100,000. Roman architecture, culture, and religion influenced the local population, leading to the construction of many important buildings. Among the most important infrastructural projects was the theater, which was built in the 2nd century, and somewhat later, the basilica and necropolis. Hierapolis is known for its well-preserved architectural remains, which testify to its rich historical background. Hierapolis has been known throughout history for its religious and cultural diversity. The city was originally dedicated to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, and from the beginning it played an important role in religious practices. The city also had an important temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, who was worshipped as the goddess of love, beauty, and sexual desire. The temple was a center of religious rituals and offerings, where people worshiped Aphrodite and asked for her favor. Hierapolis was an important religious and cultural center, where people from all over the world gathered to heal in the thermal springs and worship the gods. Aphrodite was one of the most popular goddesses, and her temple in Hierapolis was an important part of city life.

Necropolis

Another important part of Hierapolis is the necropolis, which consists of tombs from the Roman period. Numerous burial sites have been discovered here, from simple rock tombs to ornate mausoleums. The burial sites provide insight into the cultural and religious practices of the past, reflecting the social hierarchies and religious customs of the city, from pagan to Christian.
The Necropolis of Hierapolis is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient cemeteries in the world. Located in present-day Turkey, Hierapolis was an ancient city known for its thermal springs and religious significance. The Necropolis, which means "city of the dead", offers invaluable insight into the funerary practices and cultural beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of Hierapolis.

Hierapolis was founded in the 2nd century BC by the Attalid kings of Pergamon. It later became an important city in the Roman Empire, known for its healing thermal springs and religious shrines. The Hierapolis Necropolis extends over 2 kilometers and contains over 1,200 tombs, making it one of the largest and most extensive ancient cemeteries in Anatolia.

The Hierapolis Necropolis is divided into three main sections: the northern, southern, and eastern necropolises. Each section contains different types of tombs, reflecting the different funerary practices and social statuses of the city's inhabitants. Tombs range from simple rock-cut tombs to elaborate sarcophagi and monumental tombs.

Sarcophagi: These stone coffins are often decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. They were used to bury the wealthy and elite members of society.

Tumuli: These are large burial mounds that cover underground tombs. They were usually used for family burials and are a common feature of the necropolis.

House tombs: These tombs resemble small houses and were designed to accommodate multiple burials. They often have decorative elements such as columns and pediments.

Rock-cut tombs: These simpler tombs were carved directly into the rock and were used for the burial of ordinary citizens.

The necropolis of Hierapolis provides a wealth of information about the cultural and religious beliefs of its ancient inhabitants. The variety of tomb types and burial practices reflects the diverse population of the city and their beliefs about the afterlife. Inscriptions on tombs often include epitaphs and dedications to the deceased, offering insight into the personal lives and social status of the individuals buried there.

The presence of numerous sarcophagi and monumental tombs indicates the importance of ancestor worship and the desire to greatly commemorate the deceased. The necropolis also contains several tombs dedicated to prominent citizens and benefactors of the city.

Excavations at the Hierapolis necropolis have uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and coins. These discoveries provide valuable insight into the daily lives and burial customs of the ancient inhabitants. The well-preserved condition of many of the tombs and monuments has allowed archaeologists to study the architectural and artistic styles of the period in great detail.

Today, the Hierapolis Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ancient tombs and monuments and gain a deeper understanding of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. The necropolis serves as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and artistic achievements of the ancient world.

Frontinus Street

Frontinus Street, also known as the Colonnaded Street, was an important part of Hierapolis. Named after Sextus Julius Frontinus, the Roman proconsul of Asia in 86 AD, this main street divided the city into two parts and provided a convenient communication route for its inhabitants.

Roman Theater

The most striking building in Hierapolis is the Roman Theater, located on the southern slope of the city. From the upper stone seats of the theater, there are panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The theater was built of local stone and was known for its acoustics and architectural details. With elaborate reliefs placed on its facades, the theater reflected the artistic achievements of the time and a culture that valued the dramatic arts. The Roman Theater at Hierapolis is an outstanding example of ancient Roman architecture and a testament to the cultural and social life of the time. Built in the 2nd century AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the theater was built on the ruins of an earlier theater that had been destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD. This large structure could accommodate approximately 15,000 spectators and was used for various performances and public events. The theater is known for its impressive architecture, which includes elaborate limestone and marble carvings that adorn the stage and seats. The cavea, or seating area, is divided into three horizontal sections known as diazomata, which allowed for effective crowd control. The lower section was reserved for the elite, while the upper sections were for the general public. The design of the theater also includes a skene, or stage building, which was richly decorated with columns, statues, and reliefs depicting mythological scenes.

The Roman theater at Hierapolis was not just a place for entertainment; it was an important cultural center. The performances that took place here ranged from dramatic plays and musical performances to gladiatorial contests and public speeches. These events were an essential part of the social and political life of the city, providing a place for citizens to gather, celebrate, and engage in communal activities.

Over the centuries, the theater has undergone extensive restoration efforts to preserve its historical significance. An Italian archaeological mission played a key role in these efforts, meticulously restoring the theater to its former glory. Today, the theater stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of the ancient Romans.

Today, the Roman Theater at Hierapolis is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who want to explore its ancient ruins and learn about its history. The theater's well-preserved condition offers a glimpse into the past and allows modern visitors to experience the grandeur and sophistication of Roman architecture and culture.

Pamukkale

A well-known symbol of Hierapolis and its unique natural asset are the Pamukkale terraces. These white travertine terraces were formed by the accumulation of minerals from hot springs that flowed down the slopes. Visitors can enjoy the healing properties of the hot springs and walk along the terraces, which create a stunning contrast with the chemical substrate. Pamukkale means "cotton castles" and is a fitting name for this natural phenomenon that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Archaeological Museum

The Hierapolis Archaeological Museum today is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The museum is housed in an ancient Roman bath, gymnasium, and library, and covers an area of 14,000 square meters.

The museum's exhibition halls are located in the vaulted buildings of the Roman baths, built of travertine blocks. It displays artifacts from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and Tripoli, including tombs, statues, terracotta pots, idols, glassware, necklaces, and metal jewelry. The museum also displays gold, silver, and bronze coins from various historical periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods1.

One of the museum's highlights is the Hierapolis Theater Hall, which displays reliefs from the stage building of the Hierapolis Theater. These reliefs include scenes of the Pleasures of Dionysus, the Coronation of Hierapolis, the legend of Niobe, and the births of Apollo and Artemis.

Pluto's Gate - The Gate to the Underworld

The Plutonium, also known as the Plutonium, is one of the most intriguing and mysterious sites in the ancient city of Hierapolis, located in what is now Pamukkale, Turkey. This ancient religious site was dedicated to Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, and has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and visitors for centuries.

The Plutonium was a small cave that emitted poisonous gases, primarily carbon dioxide, believed to be sent by Pluto himself. The site was used for ritual animal sacrifices, where animals were thrown into the cave and pulled back with ropes. The poisonous fumes often suffocated the animals, reinforcing belief in Pluto's divine power. The Plutonium was described by several ancient writers, including Strabo and Cassius Dio, who noted the deadly nature of the cave and its importance in religious rituals.

In recent years, archaeologists have continued to study the site and discovered more about its construction and use. The cave is located near the Temple of Apollo, another important religious site in Hierapolis. The proximity of the two sites suggests a close connection between the worship of Apollo and Pluto in the ancient city. Excavations have revealed that the cave was surrounded by a series of steps and a small pool, which may have been used for purification rituals before entering the Plutonium.

Plutonium played a key role in the religious life of Hierapolis. It was believed to be a gateway to the underworld, through which the souls of the dead would pass to the afterlife. The poisonous gases emitted by the cave were considered a manifestation of Pluto's power, and the site was used for various religious rituals, including animal sacrifices. Priests known as "Plutonists" performed these rituals, demonstrating their ability to withstand the deadly fumes and strengthening their connection to the divine.

The summary source: information boards in Hierapolis.

Burger Landmarks