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,
Just too far from everything, but worth the drive, go rent a car and enjoy the way to Pamukkale, and enjoy the hot water, the minerals in these waters I hear is very healthy for your skin, my skin at least was baby soft as soon as I left.
In ancient times Heirapolis was a resort town, visitors drawn to the beautiful thermal pools and they are still a major draw card today. The ancient city one of the nicest we saw – there is an effort to sympathetically restore some of the buildings, like the theatre which makes it much more interesting. The flower beds are a nice…
Seeing the remains of this Roman city left me in awe. Take your time wandering around, at least two hours. The theatre up in the hill is a must. Afterwards, soak your feet in the warm and mineral rich water that springs up and makes the hill white.
Larget one I've ever seen. Apparently the builders gave up on it thousands of years ago. (But I thought the salesman mentioned "Perpetual Care….") Everything is piled here and there. Incredible Photo Oportunities.
I visited Hierapolis at 4:30pm, starting from the north gate by taking a dolmus up (they charged me 3TL when I'd been told it was 2 TL). I'm glad I started here, because there's a whole lot to see and moving downhill rather than up was a relief even in the late afternoon sun. There is no shade aside from…
We went to Pamukkale & Hieropolis August 2011 it was a very stunning and interesting attraction to see.The roman baths were good and there was a very old amphitheatre there as well as many ruins.We walked down the Pammukkale and we found it very difficult as you are not allowed your shoes on,this is so it preserves it.We also found…
We visited the world heritage place, but we were slightly disappointed. Even though it was mid-week in a non-touristic period, there were too many visitors. Thermal swimming pool was full of mostly Russian tourists, too crowded to enjoy the warm water. Beautiful limestone pans were, unfortunately, partly dry – without water.
The ruins of the ancient city above the snow-white…
I went there with my 10 years old son. We visited all the places in the city and it took 2 days. The greatest things about Hierapolis is the freedom of climbing any building and ruin. We enjoyed it to the bottoms of our hearts.
Expecting to find the Pamukkale travertine terraces an attraction in themselves, we were pleasantly surprised to find the ruins of Hierapolis was part of site. Perhaps I should have read the book! However we had the opportunity to stay at the site for over 6 hours exploring the terraces and the ruins. The location is superb with wonderful views to…
Do not miss pumukkale, this old ancient city is rich with history and excellent architecture.
Those white formation and hot spring is very relaxing.