What comes to your mind when you think of Denizli? I’m sure that we all think of Pamukkale but Denizli has a lot more than that. Actually, Pamukkale is located in Hierapolis but I think people don’t know much about it, but don’t worry I am here to share my knowledge with you!
A few weeks ago, my family and I visited Denizli and Hierapolis and learned a lot of new things. My dad's friend was our guide. I’ll teach you everything I learned from him. Let’s begin our journey!
Plutonium
There is a big Hades statue here and as you can see, there is a three-headed dog statue on the left side of Hades: Cerberus.
There are also two snakes between him because in those times people believed in polytheistic religions and snakes were worshiped in this city.
There is a gate under the statue and it’s the entrance of the cave beyond it. But there is a creepy fact about this cave: If you go inside you die!
Scientists did some research here and they found out that there is a deadly amount of carbon dioxide inside.
People have used this place for centuries to make sacrifices to the gods and make religious offerings.
They brought animals from a pass connected to a tunnel that is going inside the cave. Due to the high amount of carbon dioxide after a while animals would die.
2. Ancient Theatre
With its mythological reliefs, gorgeous stage building, and sitting places, which are found rarely in other ancient theaters, Hierapolis Antique Theater has an important and original place in history.
Many buildings in this settlement are made of travertine including this ancient theatre. Because travertine is easy to carry, and more resistant to earthquakes compared to marble. There are also quarries near the settlement.
As you see in the picture there are two statues unfortunately, their heads fell off due to earthquakes and if you look more closely there are inscriptions on the blocks that tell us a story.
In Christianity Jesus’s birth scene is very important, you can see it pictured in churches. Before Christianity Apollon’s birth scene was important but there was a little difference there were two babies: Apollon and Artemis. Those reliefs are telling us their story; It’s like a short clip of their life including their birth, childhood, and wars.
3. Tomb of St. Philippus and Necropolis
Hierapolis is important for Christianity for other reasons as well. This area was seen as a source of healing with its unique thermal waters and was named ”Holy City” in history. Hierapolis was considered to be important both in the Pagan and Christian periods. The reason for this is in AC 80 one of the 12 apostles of Jesus -St. Philippus- came to Hierapolis to spread Christianity, but he was killed by crucifixion there. After Christianity became the official religion in the 4th century, a martyrdom was built for him.
4. Frontinus Street
Due to its architectural features, this 14-meter-wide avenue, which is thought to have been built together with the gate, was the main Street and also the entrance of the city.
There are shops and houses with a total length of 170 m on both sides of the street. In the Second Century, one of the largest agoras of Little Asia was built in this large area.
Today, we learned many fascinating things about Denizli and its history. Now you know much more about Denizli, not just Pamukkale. If one day you pass by here, remember what you have learned from this essay and amaze people with your wide knowledge!
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