Italian archaeologists have unearthed the Ancient Gate to Hell in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, now called Pamukkale (located in southwestern Turkey), reports Foxnews on April 1, 2013.
A team led by Francesco D'Andria, professor of classic archaeology at the University of Salento discovered the site. It is also known as Pluto’s Gate.
Called as Ploutonion in Greek and Plutonium in Latin, the cave was believed to have been a passage to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition.
May be due to the earthquakes, the site was found isolated in ruins. The team of archaeologists found Ionic semi columns and, atop there was an inscription with a dedication to the deities of the underworld viz. Pluto and Kore.
Lethal mephitic vapors filled the opening of the Gate. The Greek geographer Strabo (64/63 BC -- about 24 AD) mentioned “This space is full of a vapor so misty and dense that one can scarcely see the ground. Any animal that passes inside meets instant death”.
He also said that he threw sparrows and upon breathing their last, they fell.
D'Andria has carried on an extensive archaeological research at the World Heritage Site of Hierapoli and thus he claimed to have discovered the tomb of Saint Philip, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ there two years ago.
D'Andria said to the Discovery News in an interview that “We found the Plutonium by reconstructing the route of a thermal spring. Indeed, Pamukkale' springs, which produce the famous white travertine terraces originate from this cave”.
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