How was Derinkuyu underground city discovered?
SHORT ANSWER Strange things can be found during house renovations a city fit for 20,000 people, for instance
LONG ANSWER Beneath the volcanic rock of Nevşehir Province, Turkey, a vast warren of tunnels and chambers has existed for many thousands of years. It was once the sprawling underground city of Derlnkuyu, which was expertly carved, expanded and lived in by a long line of different peoples, from the ancient Hittites around the 12th century BC to a variety of Christian groups during the Byzantine period.
Historically known as Elengubu, it was the largest of the surprisingly numerous subterranean cities in the region: delving down 85 metres - and 18 levels - was a fully functioning settlement, complete with food stores, stables, ventilation systems, wells and a high-vaulted space used as a religious school. At its peak, Derinkuyu was home to 20,000 people, who descended into the elaborate cave system to hide from invading forces.
Given the sheer size of the site, it was hardly likely to be forgotten and accidentally discovered behind, say, someone’s house, was it? Except that’s exactly what happened. In 1963, a local man knocked down a wall when renovating his home and broke through into a tunnel, revealing the labyrinthine landmark beyond. And that was merely the first of the 600-plus entrances
