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,
We took a coach trip booked in our resort Marmaris to Pamukkkale. The journey was long but had several stops for breakfast, shopping etc. We had lunch included in our trip and then on to Pamukkale. The site is very interesting but heavy going on your feet as you have to remove shoes before entering the site. We then progressed…
Stunning, as Christians we were totally taken back by it. Walking in the footsteps of disciples. Taken by seaside travel, guide Aran and a fabulous driver would recommend this company we are both disabled and Aran was always aware of our whereabouts. He was Most gracious. Thank you seaside travel. Photos could not take in the spectacular scenery and atmosphere…
Pamukkale was an unexpected surprise. Being Canadian, it reminded us of the Columbia Icefields. When we took off our shoes (which is mandatory upon entering the park), we expected cold water rushing over our feet but it wasn't and in fact, the closer you got to the top of the hill, the hotter the water. The water is such an…
I just hadn't realized what an enormous and varied site this is. It is definitely underrated in the travel literature. Top off a full day of exploring with a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Perfect!
Really unusual and definitely worth the trip! The travertine pools are amazing and the mineral pool is a must-see.
I did a tour of Pamukkale/Hieropolis in May 2009 with Director Tours of Bodrum; it was the second part of a two day trip, the first day spent visiting Ephesus. "Pamukkale" means Cotton Castle; here calcium oxide-rich waters flowing down the southern slope of Caldag located north of the ruins of Hieropolis have, over the millennia, built up deposits of…
After debating whether we want to spend 1 day for this trip, we decided to give it a go. We are glad that we did because it is a natural miracle that next generations may not have chance to see. Keep in mind that it can be really hot because of the open space and relatively long walk to reach…
everybody should visit this village for understand the old people' s ideas about health in life. İ enjoyed so much.
Unfortunately for the inhabitants this UNESCO Wonderful place is sourrounded by a very poor and sad village… The "take away turism" avoids the developement of this place. That's sad…
We used Ms, Kubra as a guide provided by Tour4Turkey.com and her knowledge was incredible, we liked the place very much. If you have seen this city you might need to think twice before taking the Euphesus Tour as there is less difference.