Hierapolis

Hierapolis, two ancient cities of the Orient. (1) Hierapolis, or on coins Hieropolis, was a city of Syria Cyrhæstica, and stood on the high-road from Antioch to Mesopotamia, 14 miles W. of the Euphrates. Under the Seleucid kings this city was an important centre of trade, particularly in cotton and silk. The great temple of Astarte (locally known as Bambyke or Mambug) was plundered by Crassus in 53 B.C. With the growth and spread of Christianity, Hierapolis gradually lost its importance. Passing into the hands of the califs, it was refortified by Haroun al-Raschid about the beginning of the 9th century. It was captured by Romanus Diogenes in 1068, and was again stormed by Saladin in 1175. Its decay dates from the time of the Mongol invasion.—(2) Hierapolis was the name given to a city of Phrygia, situated between the rivers Lycus and Meander, 5 miles N. of Laodicea. It was celebrated for its hot springs, and for a cave, called Plutonium, whence issued mephitic vapours that proved fatal to life. At Hierapolis, the birthplace of Epictetus, Cybele was much worshipped; and there St Paul founded a Christian church. See Harper's Magazine, October 1889.