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Hierapolis was established by King
Eumenes 2 and was given the name of "Hiera" in the honour of the
wife of Telephos, the legendary establisher of the ancient Pergamum.
Hierapolis was visited frequently by the people from the nearest
cities and Laodicea -the ancient site established before Hierapolis,
for using the thermal springs known for its curing properties to
various illnesses. From the 3 BC, as the fame of Hierapolis
increased continually, migrations started from around and Hierapolis
became an attractive and a favorable settlement, a rival city to
Laodicea.
Hierapolis was given to the Roman Empire in 133 BC, in the will of
Pergamon King, Attalos 2. The city was destroyed completely by an
earthquake in 17AD, in the reign of Tiberious. The re-construction
of Hierapolis was started in 60 AD, during the reign of Nero.
Hierapolis reached its high and lived the most prosperous periods
during the reign of Severus and his son Caracalla, around the years
of 196AD and 215AD. A considerable development existed in the city,
in art and culture. Many rich marble mines were founded and the
marbles of Hierapolis were used in Hagia Sophia of Istanbul.
Hierapolis was governed by a Roman governor of Ephesus, in the Roman
period. Sources stated that the city was also visited by Hadrian.
With the division of the Roman Empire into two in 395 AD, the city
was ruled by the Byzantine. Hierapolis became the capital of
Phyrigia during the reign of Constantine.The acceptance of
Christianity created a new stage for the social and religious
structure of Hierapolis becoming a patriarchal center. Also, in 80
AD, St. Philip -one of the 12 Apostles, was thought to have been
killed in Hierapolis. The city lost its prior importance from the
early of the 6th century, continuing to the 11th century. The
dreadful earthquake in 1354 meant the city was emptied, totally and
has not settled properly since that date, even in Turkish-Ottoman
periods. The city was covered by the uncontrolled waters and
travertine. Today the thermal waters of Hierapolis reached to its
former fame and became an interesting touristical center for
foreigners. Therefore, tourism was one of the main incomes of
Hierapolis, during that era. Textile was also developed gradually
and became the principal source of the citys prosperity. |
