Hierapolis 
A town was founded here by King Eumenes II of Pergamon soon after 190 B.C. Intended as a rival to Laodikeia, the new settlement was a fortified military colony. It may have been named after Hiera ("Hierapolis", city of Hiera), wife of Telephos, the mythical ancestor of the Pergamenes. The first town was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60 and now only the scanty ruins of a theater are visible.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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A new town was built on a site to the south. The city enjoyed its greatest prosperity around the second and third century but most of the ruins date from later. The existence of a large Jewish community in Hierapolis led to the early arrival of Christianity (Colossians 4:13). In A.D. 80 the Apostle Philip was martyred here and later a church, perhaps the basilica outside the north gate, was dedicated to him. Hierapolis became the see of a bishop and a metropolitan but its main function was as a spa. With the coming of the Seljuks (1094) it gradually decayed and was abandoned. A severe earthquake in 1354 also affected Laodikeia.
Importance
Like Laodikeia, Hierapolis owed its prosperity to various branches of the wool industry including shearers, spinners, weavers, dyers and dealers. Their products were exported as far afield as Italy. The city was also a much-frequented spa where dazzling festivals and games were held to entertain visitors.
Importance
Like Laodikeia, Hierapolis owed its prosperity to various branches of the wool industry including shearers, spinners, weavers, dyers and dealers. Their products were exported as far afield as Italy. The city was also a much-frequented spa where dazzling festivals and games were held to entertain visitors.
Related Attractions
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Baths
The ruins of the Great Baths in Hierapolis, now a museum, stand further east and their marble-faced walls and vaultings are reminiscent of the great buildings of Rome. A large colonnaded courtyard used for exercises and games extends beyond the baths.
Castle
The road which winds its way up from the plain to the plateau affords superb views of the terraces of calcareous deposits. Nearby are the remains of an 11th/12th century castle, whose name Pamukkale meaning Cotton Castle was extended to refer to the whole terrace and the site of ancient Hierapolis. There are fine views of the limestone terraces cascading down the steep slope.
Martyrium of St Philip
On a sloping expanse of land 500m/550yds northeast of the theater in Hierapolis stands the octagonal martyrium of the Apostle Philip. It was built on the spot where the saint and his children were martyred. The 60x63m/65x69yd church dates from the fifth century and lies at the meeting point of several lines of guest rooms.
