At the foot of one of the temples in south-western Turkey are mythological gates of hell – Italian archaeologists announced. They claim that the mythological description of the temple where the gate to Hades was, has much in common with the ancient ruins located in Hierapolis, nowadays known as Pamukkale.
In mythology, a staircase leading down to a cave filled with poisonous gases was next to the temple with characteristic pillars. A similar system is in Turkish temple in Pamukkale.
The gate to Hades
The archaeological group was led by Francesco D’Andria, an Italian professor of classical archeology at the University of Salento. The group discovered in the ruins a cave with Ionic-style columns with inscriptions dedicated to the gods of the underworld – Pluto and Kore.
During the excavation, we found out about the deadly properties of the cave. – D’Andria said. – We found several dead birds that have died in the cave. They were poisoned with carbon dioxide.
The ancient city was founded around 190 BC FOR IN Eumenes II, king of Pergamum. In 133 BC, it was conquered by the Romans. Under their jurisdiction, Hierapolis was developing rapidly. Temples, theater, and baths were built.
Today Pamukkale is famous for its breathtaking limestone terraces.D’Andria leads extensive excavations in ancient Hierapolis for several years. Two years ago D’Andria announced that he had discovered the tomb of Saint Philip, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
