Hierapolis was founded as a thermal spa in the early 2nd century BC. It became a healing center where doctors used thermal springs to treat their patients.
It got its name Hierapolis - the holy city - because of the large number of templates in its area. A church was founded there (under the influence of the Apostle Paul) while he was in Ephesus. The Apostle Philip spent the last years of his life in Hierapolis, and, likely, a city martyrium (a sacred building dedicated to a martyr, usually hiding his tomb or relics) was built on the site of his crucifixion, which took place in 80 AD. It is also said that his daughters acted as prophetesses in the area.
The city gained its present shape in the year 60, during the reign of Nero when it was rebuilt after a strong earthquake. The city was experiencing its golden age. Thousands of people enjoyed the healing properties of the hot springs. Hierapolis became one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire in art, philosophy, and trade.
In 1354 a great earthquake destroyed the ancient city. Hierapolis was first excavated in 1887.
