The presence of a hot spring at Hierapolis and the spectacular calcium deposits from its water spilling over the nearby hillside suggest that there should be evidence of an early settlement there. The oldest Inscription found so far, however, indicates it was founded by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon, in the latter part of the second century B.C.; it soon became a busy industrial center.
Pagan worship in the city centered around Cybele, Apollo, Artemis, Men, Poseidon, and Pluto. Underneath the Temple of Apollo has been found the Plutonium, an opening in the earth from which a noxious gas still comes. The temple is between the pool where the hot spring rises and the large theater on the side of the hill. To the north along the rim of the plateau is a long avenue of tombs.
Traditionally St. Philip is connected with the early church in Hierapolis. Fairly recently Italian archeologlsts have discovered his Martyrium, an octagonal chamber forming a double cross surrounded by a square. This is almost due north of the theater, also on the side of the hill. It was a fifth century A.D. building and did not last much more than 100 years. No tomb was found with it although that was expected. There are several ruins of churches, one not far from the baths, one on the main road leading to the necropolis.
Hierapolis is listed in the New Testament along with Laodicea as the center of Epaphras’s work (Colos-sians 4:13). This was at the time Paul was writing to strengthen the message Epaphras was preaching and to condemn the “people who go in for self-mortification and angel-worship” (Colossians 2:18). Another less well-known resident of Hierapolis was Papias, a disciple of St. John and the author of the lost book called the Sayings of Jesus.
While Epaphras was is that area, a young slave was growing up in Hierapolis, a boy whose original name is unknown but whom we call by the Greek for “Acquired”, Epictetus. In his Discourses Epictetus often talks about the perfect missionary whose bed was the ground, whose only house the earth and sky and a shabby cloak, and who must love those who misuse him in the service of God. One wonders what the influence of those early Christians, many of whom were slaves themselves, was on this Stoic philosopher.
Hierapolis,
Hieropolis is interesting if this is your first visit to some ruins, of course Pamukkale is amazing, but the ruins of Hieropolis are good but not great. Ephesus is much more impressive that Hieropolis, however a visit here is included in your visit to Pamukkale so why not visit. You can spend as much as 3-5 hours exploring the ruins…
a great stroll through history… easy to imagine those romans enjoying their spas
This is an unbelievably beautiful place. Tepid water that is said to hold healing. The most stunning natural limestone display that exists! We were told that this is the largest limestone deposit.
Cozy surroundings with gorgeous places to sit and soak.
Little outside snack areas to sip cool drinks or eat a snack in between soaks.
There are even a…
We had a great day out here, there's so much to see and do. We looked around Hierapolis a little bit (some very interesting ruins) but the call of the thermal springs was too strong and we spent most of our time just dangling our legs in the water and looking out over the beautiful calcium pools. A word of…
Although it's basically an antique resort, some of the ruins are very well preserved and it's an interesting promenade if you are in Pamukkale.
This wonderful place has something special. It should be absolutely seen!!! Then at sunset is the top.
We finally got around to going to see the travertines at Pamukkale last year having visited Turkey often over the last 27 years and living here for the last 11 years. Having seen all the posters and banners in travel agency windows we were really looking forward to it. You can no longer walk in the REAL travertines but you…
Lots to see at this site; the theater ruins are still in good shape and well worth seeing. Not as good as the ruins at Aphrodisias, but worth seeing if you are going to make the trek up the pammukale travertines.
realy amazing site, especialy ,the system of heating in winter,they used thermal water to heat up streets,
We bought a day trip from Kemer to Hierapolis and Pamukkale (EUR 55/person) through Astral Holidays.
While I totally recommend you go, visit the shops in Kemer town and look for the same tour. You can buy it for USD 35 (EUR 25) with Seker Travel. That's a hefty commission we could have saved if we bought locally. I'm going…