20,000 People Once Lived Beneath This Ancient City
Deep beneath the dry landscape of Derinkuyu lies one of the most shocking discoveries in human history, an underground city large enough to shelter thousands of people. For centuries, nobody knew it existed. Then, in 1963, a local man renovating his home accidentally knocked down a wall and found a mysterious passage leading deep underground. What he discovered became known as the underground city of Derinkuyu. Located in the region of Cappadocia, Derinkuyu stretches nearly 280 feet below the surface and contains tunnels, storage rooms, kitchens, schools, churches, and even ventilation systems. Historians believe the city could once hold nearly 20,000 people along with their animals and food supplies. The most fascinating mystery is why such a massive underground world was built in the first place. Many experts believe ancient people created it as protection from invading armies. The region faced countless attacks over centuries, and hidin...