Accidental Discovery of Ancient Underground City in Turkey's Derinkuyu
By
areoform
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
In 1963, a man in Derinkuyu, Turkey, accidentally discovered an ancient underground city while renovating his basement. The massive subterranean complex, carved from volcanic rock, was found to have housed up to 20,000 people and included living quarters, churches, stables, wine presses, and sophisticated ventilation systems. This remarkable archaeological find revealed a multi-level city that served as a refuge for early Christians and others seeking protection from invaders throughout history.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledTaking a sledgehammer to a wall in his basement, a man in the Turkish town of Derinkuyu got more home improvement than he bargained for
The underground city was carved from the region's soft volcanic rock, a building material easy to dig into but which hardens on exposure to air
The city had everything its inhabitants would need: stables, churches, storage rooms, refectories, and wine or oil presses
The city's many levels were connected by steep staircases and narrow, low corridors, forcing any would-be invaders to proceed in single file
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