Gate to Hell Discovered in Turkey
Italian archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an ancient mythological cave in Turkey, believed to be the "gate to hell" emitting fatal carbon fumes.
So far man has been besotted with the mystery of what happens after death. Is there a paradise? Is there after-life? Or just heaven and hell? Looks like some researchers have just stumbled on the answer. Looks like the gates to hell have finally been discovered!
No, this is definitely not an April Fool’s joke but before you begin to chant God’s name in prediction of doomsday, read on the complete story.
Some Italian archaeologists have discovered the mythical ‘Gate to Hell in Turkey. The Gate earned its name as it emits high level of carbon fumes instantly killing anyone who enters the fabled, cursed land. The gate that has also been called ‘Pluto’s Gate’ has been described in a detailed manner in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition. The ancient Greeks and Romans were superstitious about the gate and lacking the knowledge to understand the science behind it, doomed the land to be the opening to the netherworld.
The site, discovered by the Italian scientist Francesco D'Andria, lies in what used to be the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis (Pamukkale today). The opening to the cave or the entrance was filled with lethal mephitic vapours, cutting off all supply of oxygen needed to sustain inside the cave.
The cave contains mention in the writings of Strabo, a Greek Geographer who lived between 64/63 BC to about 24 AD. "This 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”, he writes.
During ancient times, the area was used as a site for rituals and holy sacrifices by priests. While only priests were allowed near the opening of the cave (beliefs leading to the common man believing they have supernatural powers) the common man could perform the rites and rituals from afar. Many a times sparrows and other birds were given to people to put in the cave and check it’s lethal effect. Ceremonies where priests dragged bulls in the cave and led them out dead were also conducted to demonstrate the effect and cast a fear.
However, there was one tribe which was considered to be immune to the caves effect, according to Strabo’s writings. Eunuchs of Cybele eunuchs of Cybele( an ancient fertility goddess) were apparently able to enter the cave without any ill-effects. While Strabo’s writings based this miracle on divine providence which helped them hold their breath, their immunity could possibly be a result of menomation.
According to D’Andria, "We could see the cave's lethal properties during the excavation. Several birds died as they tried to get close to the warm opening, instantly killed by the carbon dioxide fumes.” The team discovered the fabled cave by following the path of thermal springs. The Pamukkale' springs, which produce the famous white travertine terraces, were found to have originated from Pluto’s Gate. The site is considered to be fully functional till 4th century AD according to reports by D’Andria.