Pamukkale, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and its integral part, Hierapolis, attract thousands of tourists every year with their ancient ruins and natural travertines. With a deep-rooted history stretching from mythology to Christianity, its magnificent theater, and sacred structures, Hierapolis continues to stand as one of the most remarkable cities of the ancient world. This unique region, bearing traces of both nature and history, is an open-air museum worth exploring.
The history of Hierapolis dates back even further than the Phrygian period. The earliest traces of settlement in the region go back to the Neolithic Age. Due to its geographical location, surrounded by hot springs, this area has been an attractive settlement for various civilizations throughout history. During the Phrygian period, Hierapolis was known as one of the centers of the Mother Goddess Cybele cult and was used as a sacred site. Around 190 BC, Hierapolis was reestablished by Eumenes II, King of Pergamon. The city, believed to have been named after Queen Hiera of Pergamon, gradually became an important center during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
During the Roman period, Hierapolis experienced significant growth as a religious and thermal health center. Under the rule of the Roman Empire, the city’s population increased, and magnificent structures such as the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the extensive necropolis were built. The city was an important attraction for those seeking to benefit from its healing waters as well as for those participating in religious rituals. However, a major earthquake in 60 AD caused severe destruction. Following this disaster, Hierapolis was rebuilt by order of the Roman Emperor. The structures were made more resilient, and the city continued to be one of the most important health centers of the Roman Empire.
The Byzantine period of Hierapolis and its role as a Christian center
With the adoption of Christianity by the Roman Empire, Hierapolis became a major Christian center. It was regarded as a sacred site due to the martyrdom of Saint Philip, one of Jesus’ apostles, in the city. Excavations conducted in 2011 confirmed that Saint Philip’s tomb is indeed located here. The significance of Hierapolis continued to grow during the Byzantine period. The city became an important stop for pilgrims, and a grand church was built in honor of Saint Philip. However, towards the end of the Byzantine era, Hierapolis began to decline once again due to major earthquakes and Arab raids.
Hierapolis during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods
With the decline of the Byzantine Empire, Hierapolis came under Seljuk and later Ottoman rule. However, by this time, the city had largely been abandoned and had fallen into ruins. Although the hot springs in the region were recognized during the Ottoman period, Hierapolis remained an ancient ruin and was not extensively utilized.
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988
The modern rediscovery of Hierapolis began in the 19th century. The first systematic archaeological excavations were conducted in 1887 by German archaeologist Carl Humann. In the 20th century, Italian archaeologists carried out more detailed studies, uncovering the major structures of Hierapolis.
Hierapolis was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 and has been open to tourism ever since. Thanks to ongoing excavations and restoration efforts, many parts of the ancient city continue to be brought to light.
Hierapolis Theater: the stage of the ancient world
The Hierapolis Theater has survived as one of the most impressive engineering feats of the Roman era. With a seating capacity of approximately 15,000, this structure hosted theatrical performances, gladiator fights, and various spectacles in antiquity. Its steep seating arrangement provided spectators with a perfect view of the stage, while the reliefs and decorations on the stage building reflect the artistic style of the period. Renovated during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus in the 3rd century AD, this monumental structure stands out with its intricate statues dedicated to Apollo and Artemis.
The magnificent structures of the Ancient City of Hierapolis
Hierapolis offers its visitors many structures that reflect the grandeur of the ancient world. Some of the most remarkable sites in the city are as follows:
Temple of Apollo: One of the most important sacred sites in Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo was used as an oracle center in antiquity. The temple, located near the region’s healing waters and the Plutonium Cave, was considered a sacred area dedicated to the god Apollo.
Necropolis: Located around Hierapolis, the Necropolis is one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, containing thousands of tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Here, visitors can find sarcophagi, monumental tombs, and underground burial chambers.
Saint Philip’s Martyrium: This structure, which holds great significance for the Christian world, is considered a pilgrimage site because it is believed to be the place where Saint Philip was martyred. The octagonal shape of the Martyrium is notable for its impressive architectural design.
