Parmukkale (Hierapolis), Turkey

Late April - Early May 2002

This antique city situated in the Pamukkale region is 22 km from Denizli. It is also known for its thermal springs. According to the history books, Parmukkale is known to have been established by Eumenes II, King of Pergammon, during the 2nd century and its name to have been taken from the wife of Telephos, Hyera, who established Pergammon. The city was the capital of Phrygia during the reign of Constantine the Great, and later become the bishops center during the Byzantine Period. Basically, people have been relaxing in hot tubs for centuries (probably with scantily clad greek goddesses as well!)

Near to the site are the ruins of the Roman town of Hierapolis which include the theatre (with the best preserved 'scaena' in Asia Minor), many tombs and the old 'thermae'. The town was founded at the end of the 2nd century BC, reaching the peak of its development under the Romans at the end of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In structure, it follows the hellenistic tradition with the main buildings lining the main street which is 1km long, with side streets arranged at right angles. The buildings of major importance include the theatre, octagonus, monumental gate, nymphaeum and the necropolis. A major activity was the wool industry which benefited from the cleansing properties of the hot springs. The town became a bishopric in the 4th and 5th centuries.

Here's some history on Hierapolis: http://www.allaboutturkey.com/pamuk.htm.

Here's a good selection of photos: http://www.bibleplaces.com/hierapolis.htm.

Dung Beetles

How cool is this. Dung Beetles in action. Made my day.

Parmukkale

The warm spas where you can have a good long soak. Cool feature. Water is clear and there are roman columns and bits n pieces on the bottom of the pool.