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,
The Hierapolis is a World Heritage Site, as are many places in beautiful Turkey. While not as rich in preserved structures as Ephesus or Perge, it really has two notable features.
First, the restored ruins of the ancient city of Hieropolis, with the beautiful Sacred Baths, temple ruins, and the large amphitheater.
Second, the Travertines or "Cotton Candy Cliffs". They…
The amazement began as I walked up the fantastically surreal landscape that looks like mountains of snow but feels like textured stone with warm flowing rivulets, and crystal blue pools of thermal water! The wonder of the site (or sight) blew me away! Admittedly, the ruins are only fair by comparison with all of Turkey's other amazing ruins–and I walked…
perfect place, if you come to Antalya you must see that beauty. history and nature together. it is about 200 km far from Antalya…
Great experience, well worth it although it is becoming very restricted due to erosion. Do the overnight stay it is less tiring.
while on holidays in kusadasi in august 2011, we knew we wanted to visit this natural wonder of the world! we went with sundial travel agencey by ladies beach at the corner (i highly recommend this company, they are friendly and reliable,p.s ask for ozzy!). we first visited a five star hotel called pam hotel and spa. here we got…
These ruins are amazing, every bit as good as ephesus without the crowds
We visited in the late afternoon (after the bulk of the tour buses left) and parked at the South Entrance (5TL/car) and then entered the park (20TL/person).
We walked around the archaeological sites first (~1hr), then enjoyed some cold water by the Antique Pool at one of the two cafes (~30 min). Afterwards, we doffed our shoes and headed down…
The site is really big and will require lots of steps to get around. Go early or late in the day to try to get some relief from the sun. If you like ruins, you will love this place!
Brilliant place to visit. Really liked the antique pool. A couple of my friends didnt like it, so maybe have a look at a picture before you go. Had lunch at one of the restaurants just outside the gates. Food was easily the worst we had ever had before.
When I visited this place I stayed outside of the main attraction centre and stayed in a quiet bungalow past the main burial grounds. I paid hardly anything and in my room there was a bath where you pulled out the plug and had instant boiling red water to take a bath. Fantastic experience.