Archaeologists have unearthed the site they believe to be the ancient 'Gate of Hell', the muythical entrance to the underworld of Greek and Roman legend.
The site is in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, modern Pamukkale in south-west Turkey. The archaeological team, led by Francesco D'Andria, Professor of Classic Archaeology at the University of Salento, claims the site is a close match to historical descriptions of what was known in ancient Greek as Poutonion and Plutonium in Latin. They managed to pinpoint the location by reconstructing the route of thermal springs.
They found the ruins of a small temple with a facade decorated with Ionic semi columns bearing inscriptions to Pluto and Kore, the gods of the underworld. It stands next to a wall with steps leading down to a cave doorway which emits foul-smelling, poisonous gases.
The Greek geographer Strabo who lived between 64 BC and 24 AD described it saying: 'The space is full of a vapour so misty and dense that one can scarcely see the ground. Any animal that passes inside meets instant death. I threw in sparrows and they immediately breathed their last and fell.' The archaeologists confirm that the vapour has the same effect today.
The site remained in use until the 4th century AD as an important place of pilgrimage for late pagan intellectuals. It is believed to have been sacked by Christians in the 6th century and the ruin of the site was completed by earthquake damage.
Stunning photos of the site can be viewed at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302755-Gate-Hell-Turkey-Hierapolis-temple-doorway-matches-mythical-portal-underworld.html
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