The Gate to Hell Found in Turkey.
Also know as the ancient Plutonium. Shown by this digital illustration, is celebrated as the portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology.
Gate to Hell Found in Turkey Announce Italian Architects
Italian archaeologists have announced A “gate to hell” has emerged from ruins in southwestern Turkey.
The cave was celebrated as the portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and is traditionally known as Pluto’s Gate — Ploutonion in Greek or Plutonium in Latin.
Historic sources located the site in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, now called Pamukkale. It has been described as having an opening with lethal mephitic vapors.
This is what people are calling the, “Gate to Hell Found in Turkey.”
Greek Geographer Wrote About the Gate to Hell Found in Turkey
The Greek geographer Strabo (64/63 BC — about 24 AD) wrote, “This space is full of a vapor so misty and dense that one can scarcely see the ground. Any animal that passes inside meets instant death,”
He added: “I threw in sparrows and they immediately breathed their last and fell.”
At a conference on Italian archaeology in Istanbul, Turkey, it was announced this month that the finding was made by a team led by the professor of classic archaeology at the University of Salento, Francesco D’Andria.
At the World Heritage Site of Hierapolis D’Andria has conducted extensive archaeological research. Two years ago he claimed to discover there the tomb of Saint Philip, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.
Founded around 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, King of Pergamum (197 B.C.-159 B.C.), Hierapolis was given over to Rome in 133 B.C.
The Hellenistic city grew into a flourishing Roman city, with temples, a theater and popular sacred hot springs, believed to have healing properties.
D’Andria told Discovery News: “We found the Plutonium by reconstructing the route of a thermal spring. Indeed, Pamukkale’ springs, which produce the famous white travertine terraces originate from this cave.”
The site revealed more ruins once it was excavated. It Features a vast array of abandoned broken ruins, possibly the result of earthquakes. The archaeologists found Ionic semi columns and, on top of them, an inscription with a dedication to the deities of the underworld — Pluto and Kore.
All matching the descriptions of the site in ancient sources D’Andria also found the remains of a temple, a pool and a series of steps placed above the cave.
D’Andria said: “People could watch the sacred rites from these steps, but they could not get to the area near the opening. Only the priests could stand in front of the portal.”
Small birds were given to pilgrims to test the deadly effects of the cave, while hallucinated priests sacrificed bulls to Pluto. According to the archaeologist, there was a sort of touristic organization at the site.
The ceremony included leading the animals into the cave, and dragging them out dead.
What do you think of this news story?
I think it’s pretty interested especially as it’s backed with thousands of years of history which always makes for a good read. Also the title grabbed my attention as well, “Gate to Hell Found in Turkey!”.
Well that’s the news for you.
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