The ancient Greek site known as "Gate to Hell," located in modern-day Turkey's western Denizli province, really did kill those who got too close – but instead of an angry god's breath, noxious gas claimed victims, scientists have found.
In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans believed this grotto was the gateway to hell [Credit: Daily Sabah] |
A team of researchers from Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen who has been studying the site in the ancient city of Hierapolis uncovered a geomorphic explanation for the dramatic deaths.
The plutonium at Hierapolis [Credit: Carole Raddato/Flickr] |
A digital reconstruction of the site [Credit: Francesco D’Andria] |
During the rites, priests sacrificed bulls to Pluto.The ceremony included leading the animals into the cave, and dragging them out dead [Credit: Francesco D’Andria] |
The fault line had another formative effect on the city, one that instead fought back against death's approach and kept it a popular spot for visitors. Colourful mineral hot springs cascade down the hill near the ruins of Hierapolis, the place known as Pamukkale in modern Turkey. The site has been used as a healing spa since the second century BC under the Greek Seleucid Empire.
Source: Daily Sabah [February 23, 2018]