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,
An amazing site, combining a Roman city with the natural wonder of the springs and pools. Don't miss taking a slow walk to the North Gate at dusk. The atmosphere of walking through the necropolis in the early evening light is breathtaking.
The ruins of Hierapolis and the startling white terraces of Pamukkale have to be a "must see" on every ones visit to Turkey! In fact….I'd rate them "bucket list"! Consult a good travel guide to prepare yourselves for the visit. My one recommendation is to take the plunge and swim in the waters of "Cleopatra's pool". The water is pleasantly…
Really really beautiful, espetacular!!! A place you will never forget, such as different from everything else… spend the whole morning .
Pamukkale is a must do as it is so unusual. It was a bit smaller than I expected but great non the less. The ancient city of Hierapolis is also wonderful.
Don't only go for the hot spring but also the theatre, the necropole and the pool. The view is amzing but don't waste your time going down the hot springs as you will hurt your feet and might fall.
We went fron Kusadassi so as a coach trip from there it was a long trip, however it was worth it. Fantastic site with a mixture of ancient ruins and a natural phenonemon totaly unique. Take plenty of water with you as being inland it is extremely hot ( we went in August ). There is also natural hot springs…
All the sites we visited were wonderful, bit when will Turkey people learn about rubbishing the countryside with throwing their rubbish away, it is terrible!!
Another outstanding site in the great Country of Turkey! This site has several areas to visit. Stop first for some pictures on the top of the Mountain near the entrance. Next head over to the wading pools on the mountain face. You must take off your shoes to wander the pools on the face of the mountain.
From there you…
The main draw of Hierapolis is definitely the theater, as its still being used today for shows and is more intact than the one in Ephesus.
But with that said, the main star of this place is the travertine pools of Pamukkale.
They are absolutely amazing – it feels like you are on an alien planet at times with the…
The best part of the site in my opinion was the huge theatre. Its currently being renovated to reproduce the stage from the original materials and when its finished it will be magical. Make sure to head up to the Matryidom at the top for great views.