The ancient Greeks believed that a cave in the ancient city
of Hierapolis was the “gate to hell”. Known as Pluto’s Gate (Plutonium) was believed
to be the portal to the underworld.
The opening of the cave was filled with lethal mephitic
vapors as described by the Greek geographer and historian Strabo (circa 64 BC –
circa 24 AD):
“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. I threw in sparrows and they
immediately breathed their last and fell.”
Only the eunuchs of Cybele, an ancient fertility goddess,
were able to enter the Pluto’s Gate without any apparent damage, since
(according to Strabo) “They hold their breath as much as they can."
He goes on to notice that their immunity could have been due
to their "menomation" (impairment), “divine providence” or “certain
physical powers that are antidotes against the vapor.”
Classic archeology Professor Francesco D’Andira and his team
were excavating the Hellenistic city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale, Turkey, when they found Ionic semi
columns and, on top of them, an inscription with a dedication to the deities of
the underworld Pluto and Kore. The temple remains, pool and a series of
steps placed above the cave were all as described in ancient sources.
The bustling city of Hierapolis at the time had temples, a theater and popular
sacred hot springs, believed to have healing properties. It seems that the site
was managed at the time by a tourist organization. Pilgrims received (quite
likely against a fee) small birds to check out the deadly workings of Pluto’s
Gate (not unlike coal mine canaries). They would take the waters in the pool
near the temple, sleep close to the cave and would promptly experience visions and receive prophecies (the Oracle of Delphi effect).
According to the Professor, “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.”
So the next time you tell somebody to go to hell, they might
send you a postcard from Turkey!
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