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The Mysterious Underground City Found in a Man's Basement

5 days ago
  • #history
  • #Turkey
  • #archaeology
  • A man in Derinkuyu, Turkey, discovered an underground city in his basement during a renovation in 1963.
  • The underground city is up to 18 stories deep and could house 20,000 people.
  • Derinkuyu is located in Cappadocia, known for its soft volcanic rock formations called tuff.
  • The city's origins are unclear, with theories suggesting it was built by Hittites, Phrygians, or early Christians.
  • The underground city was likely used as a refuge from enemy armies and extreme weather.
  • It features ventilation shafts, wells, living quarters, storage rooms, churches, and even a dungeon.
  • The city was used during wars between Byzantines and Arabs, Mongol raids, and Ottoman conquests.
  • Local Greeks used the city for shelter until they were relocated in 1923.
  • Derinkuyu is now a major tourist attraction in Cappadocia.