Pamukkale literally translates to mean "cotton castle".
It is used to describe the white pools cascading down a cliff, that from a distance resemble a cotton castle.
If it looks soft and inviting to walk on, don't be fooled.
The stunning site is the largest formation of calcium in the world. It is created by calcium carbonate thermal water flowing from 17 hotsprings, over the edge of a cliff, creating white travertine terraces with shallow pools of turquoise water.
The mineral rich thermal water is claimed to have natural healing powers.
If it looks soft and inviting to walk on, don't be fooled.
About the 2nd century BC the Greeks built Hierapolis as a spa town to take advantage of the thermal waters of the "Cotton Castle".
In 60AD it was completely destroyed by a massive earthquake.
In 100AD it was later rebuilt by the Romans.
Around 215AD the city thrived as thousands of people came to visit the healing centre with thermal waters. New building projects were started including 2 Roman baths, a gymnasium, a central fountain and a main street.
The population grew to about 100,000 and became a prominent city in the Roman Empire and was known for arts, philosophy and trade.
There was a monumental entrance to the Roman town and the main street ran about 1.5 km (4,900 ft) and was 13.5m (44ft wide.)
The theatre was built in 129AD for a visit by the Emperor Hadrian. The façade is 300 ft (91m) long and has 50 rows with 8 stairways. 
The stage is 12' (3.7m) high, had 5 doors, and in front there were 10 marble columns.
The theatre had a capacity of 15,000 people.
The stage is 12' (3.7m) high, had 5 doors, and in front there were 10 marble columns.
The necropolis, outside the city where they buried their dead, extended over 2km.
At one time these were Roman baths, which were later converted to a Basilica when Christians occupied the area.
Every place where people inhabit needs latrines of some sort.... These public latrines were located at the entrance to the city.
Without going into details, which are far beyond my paygrade, the area experienced occupation by different religions, a lot of wars, takeovers, and, earthquakes. As to be expected, all those things can take a toll on a city.
And then, in 1354 a HUGE earthquake toppled the city and life moved elsewhere.
Excavations started in 1887. In 2008 restoration began to bring to life some of the secrets buried beneath the ground.
After a day in the hot sun a quiet rest in the shade helps to digest the amazing feats of civilizations many centuries ago.
1 comment:
The theater is spectacular! To think so many people go to Greece and Italy to see ruins and look what Türkiye has!
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