In 1963, a gentleman in Turkey decided to renovate his home. He wanted to add a little more space to his basement area. Little did he know how much space he would gain!
Imagine him thinking about the potential uses for the added space as he descends the stairs to his basement, heavy sledgehammer in hand. Envision him swinging the hammer forcefully a few times at one of the walls. After delivering the blows, he steps back and waits for the dust to settle, unaware of the incredible discovery there. Behind the wall was a mysterious room that, after further digging, led to an extensive tunnel network that eventually connected to a complex underground city. This city was up to 18 stories tall and 280 feet deep and large enough to house 20,000 people!
These caves, initially hewn in the soft volcanic rock in the 8th-7th centuries BCE, evolved into deep multi-level structures during Roman times, with the addition of chapels. The city, a product of the Byzantine Era, served as a fortress during the Arab-Byzantine wars (780-1180 CE). It continued to be a bastion of survival, used by the Christian natives during Mongolian invasions in the 14th century. Even in the 20th century, the city provided refuge to the Cappadocian Greeks and Armenians during times of persecution.
Large rolling stone doors allowed the city of Derinkuyu to be closed from the inside. Each floor could be closed off separately, a great defense against attackers. The complex contains storage rooms, stables, chapels, and living quarters, among other rooms. There is also a 180-foot ventilation shaft that appears to have been used as a well by the villagers above and those in hiding.
What a fantastic discovery! As of 2016, about half of the underground city has become accessible to visitors. You never know what could be hidden beneath your feet. I am sure there are so many more amazing discoveries to be made!
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