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In the heart of the ancient city of Hierapolis in Turkey lies a mysterious and intriguing site: the “Gates of Hell” or Plutonium. This gateway to the afterlife has long been revered as the entrance to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology. Discovered in 2011 by archaeologists, this place still remains a fascinating mystery today.
Ancient stories describe the deadly dangers associated with the Gates of Hell: birds getting too close to the area suffocate and die, while humans are warned not to approach or risk their lives. A dense, wispy mist envelops the region, making visibility extremely reduced. Any animal venturing there meets instant death, as testified by the Greek geographer Strabo.
The rediscovery of this hellish gateway in 2011 revealed a unique site in the world, where a geological fissure constantly emits volcanic carbon dioxide, forming a deadly lake at the bottom of the cavity. Researchers measured CO2 levels there, noting that the danger is greatest at night when the gas builds up in the area.
Volcano biologist Hardy Pfanz suggests that the priests who accompanied the sacrifices had intuitive knowledge of the situation. Their size allowed them to stay above the asphyxiating vapors, making their visits to the cavern less perilous than for other creatures. However, archaeologist Francesco D’Andria casts doubt on this theory, pointing out the presence of oil lamps near the door, suggesting nocturnal activity despite the dangers.
Faced with this age-old mystery, researchers continue to explore the secrets of the “Gates of Hell” of Hierapolis, while reminding us of the fragile border between mythology and science.