Hierapolis

Rank: Top 1000

Wonder Type: Cultural

Country: Turkey

Best of: Archeological Site, Ruins, Greek, Roman, Ancient, Hot Springs

Hierapolis ("Holy City") was an ancient city located on hot springs. The hot springs have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC, with many patrons retiring or dying there. The large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, most famously that of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos, which bears a relief depicting the earliest known example of a crank and rod mechanism. The great baths were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of cement and consisted of various closed or open sections linked together. There are deep niches in the inner section,[clarification needed] including the bath, library, and gymnasium. [More Details]