08/12/2024
Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey, was rediscovered in 1963 when a resident of the area found a mysterious room behind a wall in his home. This led to the discovery of the vast underground city beneath the surface, which had been hidden for centuries.
The bulk of the city was likely built by the Phrygians, highly skilled Iron-age architects who had the means to construct elaborate underground facilities. The Phrygians were one of Anatolia's most prominent early empires, flourishing from around the 12th century BC to the 7th century BC.
Over time, Derinkuyu was further expanded and utilized by various civilizations, including the Byzantines. One of the largest of its kind, Derinkuyu is capable of sheltering thousands of people and their livestock, with multiple levels reaching deep underground. Its rediscovery has provided valuable insights into ancient engineering and resourcefulness.
