Hierapolis is an ancient Phrygian city located in Pamukkale, within the provincial borders of Denizli in south-western Turkey, about 10 km north of the ruins of Laodicea. The city was probably established by Eumenes II of Pergamon in 190 BC on a crossroad connecting the inner region of Anatolia to the Aegean Sea on the west. Founded at the site of an ancient cult, Hierapolis became a sacred city (hieron) and was dedicated to Apollo Lairbenos. Its chief religious festival was the Letoia, named after the goddess Leto. Hierapolis was famed for its sacred hot springs whose vapors were associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. Hierapolis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 and has become a popular tourist destination due to its extraordinary landscape formed by calcite-laden waters.

Coordinates: 37° 55′ 30″ N, 29° 7′ 33″ E

Usually said to be founded by Eumenes II, king of Pergamum, Hierapolis may actually have been established earlier in the 3rd century BC by the Seleucid dynasty. Two theories exist regarding its name. According to Stephanus of Byzantium, the name Hierapolis, meaning “holy city”, was chosen because of the religious traditions that developped in the area. The second theory suggests that the town was named for Hiera, wife of Telephus, the mythical founder of Pergamum.

Set high on a terrace formed by cascades of white travertine pools, its hot springs were believed to have healing properties and people came to the city to bathe in the rich mineral waters in order to cure various ailments. Ceded to Rome in 133 BC, the Hellenistic city grew into a flourishing Roman town and became one of the richest cities in Asia Minor. After being destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD, the city was extensively rebuilt and subsequently reached its peak of importance in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

In the 1st century AD Hierapolis was characterized by an intense construction activity, mainly pursued by the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. In the 2nd century the theatre and the monumental Agora was built. In 129 AD, Hierapolis was probably visited by Hadrian who, as a sign of generosity, had earlier returned the “aurum coronarium”, a large sum of money offered by the city to celebrate his accession to the throne. Under Septimius Severus, the city continued to grow and to thrive and it received its first (and only) neocoria (a grant to build temples to the Emperor and various administrative privileges) under Caracalla who visited the city in 215 AD.

Hierapolis city had a significant Jewish population, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd century AD, which facilitated the early spread of Christianity. According to tradition, the apostle Philip’s martyrdom occurred in Hierapolis in 80 AD and a church dedicated to him was built in the 5th century. With its several churches, Hierapolis became an important religious centre in the Byzantine years.

Hierapolis was first excavated towards the late 19th century and systematic excavations were started in 1957 by the Italian Archaeological Mission which is still carrying out research, as well as maintenance and restoration works on the archaeological site. The Museum of Hierapolis opened in 1970 in the Roman baths in order to accommodate the findings. The remains of Hierapolis extend over a large area and are particularly impressive. The remains include baths, temples, a monumental arch, nymphaea, necropolises and a theatre.

PORTFOLIO

“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” Strabo (Geography 13.4.14)

Christian symbol over the arches of the Martyrium of St. Philip. Christian symbol over the arches of the Martyrium of St. Philip.

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