Gate to Hell found by Archeologists

[BillTre]

This Science mag news article describes how a Roman Gate to Hell worked.
Priest and sacrificial animal go in, animal dies priest dosn't.
Volcanic CO₂ provides explanation.

 

[Bystander]

"found many ancient oil lamps immediately around the gate to hell, suggesting priests may have ventured near it at night despite the dangerous CO2 levels." Or, used the lamps to "feel" their way(s) about? Can't support combustion beyond a given CO₂ concentration.

 

[AlexTheParticle]

According to ancient Roman mythology, there existed a portal to the underworld known as the "Gate to Hell." Located in the ancient city of Hierapolis, now modern-day Turkey, this mysterious site was believed to be a place of supernatural power and death. But now, a group of researchers has uncovered the scientific explanation behind this eerie phenomenon.In a recent study published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, a team of scientists examined the ancient site and discovered that it was actually a natural phenomenon caused by volcanic activity.The site, also known as Plutonium, was a small cave that emitted noxious gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). The researchers found that the levels of CO2 in the cave were significantly higher than normal, making it extremely deadly for any living creature to enter.To test their theory, the team recreated the conditions of the cave and found that when a live animal, such as a bird or a mouse, was placed inside, it quickly passed out and died. However, when a human entered the cave, they were able to withstand the high levels of CO2 due to their larger lung capacity and ability to hold their breath for longer periods of time.This explains how ancient priests, who were often the only ones allowed to enter the cave, were able to survive and perform rituals inside. They would enter the cave with a sacrificial animal, which would quickly die from the toxic gases, while the priest would emerge unharmed.The researchers also found evidence of rituals and animal sacrifices at the site, further supporting the belief that it was a sacred place for the ancient Romans.The discovery of the scientific explanation behind the Gate to Hell not only sheds light on this mysterious ancient site, but also highlights the ingenuity of the ancient Romans in using natural phenomena for their religious beliefs.