Necropolis, General View

Abstract

Pamukkale is a natural site in Denizli Province, the ancient region of Phrygia, in southwestern Turkey. The City of Hierapolis was established within the site of Pamukkale ("Cotton-Palace", in Turkish) probably circa 197?159 BC, and was named after Hiera, wife of Telephos, the founder of Pergamon. Circa 133 BC, the city was annexed to the Roman Empire. Circa 17 AD, Hierapolis was destroyed by an earthquake. The city was rebuilt and enjoyed prosperity during the 2nd-3rd centuries AD and in Byzantine times it became the seat of a diocese. The Necropolis, located at the northernmost area of the site, outside the city walls, contains tumuli, sarcophagi and house-shaped tombs, located on both sides of the road, stretching north for a length of some 2km. The tombs are dated to the Hellenistic period the earliest, and up to the early Christian period. The Necropolis is well preserved.