‘Gate to Hell’ dug up in Turkey

From online dispatches

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Pluto’s Gate, the legendary portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology and tradition, has been located in Turkey, according to Italian archaeologists, Discovery News reported.

Pluto’s Gate – known as Ploutonion in Greek and Plutonium in Latin – is reportedly in the southwestern province of Pamukkale, where the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis is.

A cave where the ruins were located emits dangerous gases as the ancient gate was said to be filled lethal mephitic vapors, according to historical sources. 

A team of archaeologists led by Italian Professor Francesco D'Andria made the discovery, and it was announced at a conference in Istanbul last month.

“We found the Plutonium by reconstructing the route of a thermal spring. Indeed, Pamukkale's springs, which produce the famous white travertine terraces, originate from this cave,” D'Andria told Discovery News.

“We could see the cave's lethal properties during the excavation. Several birds died as they tried to get close to the warm opening, instantly killed by the carbon dioxide fumes,” D'Andria said.