The Lost Martyrium of St Philip: Uncovering History in Hierapolis

Unexpectedly discovering the Martyrium of St Philip in Hierapolis transformed one of Turkey's most significant Christian sites forever. In 2011, Francesco D'Andria, the director of excavation at the ancient city, finally found the tomb of the martyred apostle Philip after years of searching. However, the discovery came with a surprise—the tomb wasn't located at the center of the octagonal hilltop martyrium as archeologists had predicted, but in a newly excavated church about 40 yards away.

The St Philip martyrium and its surrounding structures hold tremendous historical significance in this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hierapolis attracts millions of visitors annually, with a peak of 2 million tourists in 2014, though many come primarily for the famous white travertine formations of Pamukkale rather than its rich Christian history. 

This ancient city, founded in the 3rd century BC and later controlled by the Roman Empire by 133 BC, witnessed the construction of an early church around Philip's tomb during the 4th or 5th century. Notably, the site remained a pilgrimage destination throughout the centuries, despite suffering destruction during a devastating earthquake in the 7th century and later conquest by the Seljuk Turks in the 12th century.

When you explore this article, you'll discover the fascinating story behind this archeological treasure, understand its religious importance, and learn why this sacred site continues to captivate visitors from around the world today.

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Hierapolis: The Setting of a Sacred Discovery

The ancient city of Hierapolis stands proudly above the gleaming white terraces of Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey, carrying a rich historical legacy often overshadowed by its natural neighbor. Founded as a thermal spa in the 2nd century BC by Eumenes II, the king of Pergamum, this "Holy City" (the literal meaning of Hierapolis in Greek) quickly became a center of healing and spiritual significance.

Historical background of the city

Situated on a plateau overlooking the Lycus River valley, Hierapolis was strategically positioned on the main road from Iconium to Ephesus, facilitating trade with the Aegean region. The city expanded after the 190 BC Battle of Magnesia, growing through resources gained when Antiochus the Great was defeated by Eumenes II.

Initially, a Phrygian city built on the site of an ancient cult center dedicated to the Anatolian mother goddess Cybele, Hierapolis eventually came under Roman control in 133 BC. The city flourished as a spa destination where doctors utilized the mineral-rich thermal springs to treat various ailments. Additionally, the city gained fame for its high-quality wool fabrics and dyes.

Throughout its history, Hierapolis faced numerous destructive earthquakes but was repeatedly rebuilt. Nevertheless, the devastating Thracian earthquake of 1354 ultimately toppled the remaining structures, after which the ruins were gradually covered by thick limestone deposits.

Importance in early Christianity

Hierapolis holds exceptional significance in early Christian history. The apostle Philip spent his final years in the city before being martyred in 80 AD, reportedly by crucifixion. According to Eusebius of Caesarea's Church History, Philip died on a cross shaped like the letter T.

Following the influence of the apostle Paul, a Christian community was established in Hierapolis while he was at Ephesus. The city is mentioned in Paul's letter to the Colossians (4:13), acknowledging the region through the work of Epaphras, who connected the triad of cities sharing faith: Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

The martyrium of St. Philip, erected in the early 5th century, became the most important Christian building in Hierapolis. Its architecture carried profound symbolism—the central octagonal room surrounded by a square building with 32 rooms represented the number eight, which in Christian symbolism corresponds to eternity, resurrection, and eternal life.

Tourism and overlooked ruins

While Hierapolis attracts countless visitors yearly, many come primarily for Pamukkale's famous calcium terraces, overlooking the archeological treasures. The site closes at 22:30, giving visitors ample time to explore.

Beyond the well-known features, the site contains numerous overlooked gems:

• The extensive necropolis, one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient cemeteries, stretches two kilometers along the ancient road
• The Roman baths, transformed into a three-nave church in the 6th century
• The Plutonium (Pluto's Gate), a religious site where priests performed rituals involving toxic gases emitted from a cave
• The impressive theater overlooks breathtaking landscapes

The archeological remains of Hierapolis, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, offer invaluable insights into the city's history and early Christian presence. Furthermore, excavations have uncovered numerous structures, including a well-preserved theater, a large necropolis, and several churches that attest to Hierapolis's significance as a center of Christian worship.

Who Was St Philip? Apostle or Evangelist?

The mystery surrounding St. Philip's identity has perplexed scholars for centuries. At the center of this confusion lies a critical question: Was the Philip associated with the Martyrium in Hierapolis the Apostle chosen by Jesus, or Philip the Evangelist (also called the Deacon) mentioned in Acts?

Biblical references and confusion

The New Testament clearly distinguishes between two men named Philip. Philip the Apostle appears in all four Gospels as one of the Twelve chosen directly by Jesus. He hailed from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter, and was personally called by Jesus with the simple command "Follow me" (John 1:43-46). This apostle features prominently in John's Gospel, where he introduces Nathanael to Jesus, participates in the miracle of loaves and fishes, and notably asks Jesus during the Last Supper, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us" (John 14:8-9).

Conversely, Philip the Evangelist emerges in Acts 6:1-6 as one of the seven men selected to serve as deacons, primarily assisting with the distribution of food to widows. This created a foundation for confusion that would persist throughout church history.

Eusebius and early church writings

The earliest substantial confusion between the two Philips appears in writings by Eusebius of Caesarea, the famous 4th-century church historian. In his Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius inadvertently blends details about both men. He quotes Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, who mentions Philip's burial at Hierapolis, where he had preached for many years.

Particularly noteworthy, Eusebius references "the Dialog of Caius," which states: "After him there were four prophetesses, the daughters of Philip, at Hierapolis in Asia. Their tomb is there and the tomb of their father." Yet in the very next passage, he quotes from the Acts of the Apostles that identifies this Philip as "the evangelist, who was one of the seven deacons with four prophesying daughters.

Eusebius apparently fails to notice the contradiction, thereby solidifying a confusion that would persist for centuries.

Arguments for each identity

Scholars today offer compelling arguments for both possibilities. Those supporting the Apostle Philip point to early traditions placing him in Greek-speaking regions after Pentecost, aligning with his Greek name. The 2nd-century tradition recorded by Polycrates specifically identifies the Philip buried in Hierapolis as "one of the Twelve Apostles."

Furthermore, medieval artistic depictions consistently portray Philip the Apostle with loaves (referencing the miracle in John 6:5-9) or a tall cross, reflecting the tradition that he died by crucifixion in Hierapolis.

Proponents of Philip the Evangelist emphasize Acts 21:9, which explicitly states the deacon had four prophesying daughters, matching the traditions about the daughters buried in Hierapolis. Additionally, some early sources, including Clement of Alexandria, preserve a tradition that Philip the Apostle was the disciple who asked Jesus for permission to bury his father (Matthew 8:22).

The confusion intensified because both men ministered in the same general region. Philip the Apostle supposedly preached in Scythia and Asia Minor, whereas Philip the Evangelist's missionary work in Samaria and with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) established his reputation as an evangelizer to Greek-speaking populations.

Perhaps most tellingly, archaeologist Francesco D'Andria's discoveries at the Martyrium site have yet to definitively resolve this ancient case of mistaken identity.

Uncovering the Tomb: The 2011 Excavation

The decades-long search for St. Philip's final resting place culminated in a groundbreaking announcement in July 2011. Francesco D'Andria, director of excavations at Hierapolis, revealed to the world that his team had finally located the tomb of the martyred apostle—albeit not where they had initially expected.

Use of ground-penetrating radar

Prior to the momentous discovery, archaeologists had employed sophisticated technology in their quest. As early as 2003, D'Andria's team conducted extensive geophysical surveys of the site, utilizing ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to examine what lay beneath the surface. These non-invasive methods allowed researchers to detect anomalies underground without disturbing the ancient structures.

The technological approach proved crucial when GPR revealed a significant anomaly directly beneath the central hall of the martyrium. Although initially presumed to be the apostle's tomb, this discovery ultimately led researchers in an unexpected direction. Indeed, three-dimensional GPR detected various manmade structures beneath the temple complex, compelling archaeologists to expand their search beyond the octagonal building.

Discovery of the 1st-century tomb

Contrary to long-held expectations, the tomb wasn't located at the center of the hilltop martyrium but in a newly excavated church approximately 40 yards away. This revelation came after D'Andria's team carefully studied satellite photographs of the area and identified a larger devotional complex with the martyrium at its center.

The excavation unveiled a first-century Roman tomb positioned centrally within this newly discovered church. Archaeologists found compelling evidence of its veneration—worn marble steps indicated thousands of pilgrims had ascended to pay homage, while nail holes in the tomb's façade suggested a metal locking device once protected its precious contents. Moreover, numerous cross graffiti adorned the walls, effectively Christianizing what had originally been a pagan structure.

Further excavations around the tomb revealed water baths for individual immersions, presumably used for healing rituals similar to those at Lourdes. The early church was constructed around this tomb during the fourth or fifth century, coinciding with the building of the nearby martyrium.

Relocation of relics to Constantinople and Rome

Historical records suggest that St. Philip's remains did not rest permanently in Hierapolis. According to D'Andria, the saint's relics were most likely transferred from Hierapolis to Constantinople toward the end of the sixth century. Subsequently, they may have been taken to Rome and placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles (formerly the Church of St. Philip and St. John).

Other historical documents offer slightly different accounts. During the sixth century, specifically under Pope Pelagius I (died 561), the relics were transferred from Constantinople to Rome. Additionally, excavations in 1873 beneath the central altar of the Roman church unearthed these sacred remains. Nevertheless, some 12th-century reports indicate that Philip's remains were still present in Constantinople at that time, highlighting the complex journey of these venerated relics.

Inside the Martyrium: Design and Function

The architectural brilliance of the Martyrium of St Philip Hierapolis reveals a carefully planned sacred space where geometry meets spirituality. Built in the early 5th century, this remarkable structure stands as one of early Christianity's most symbolically rich buildings.

Eight-sided structure and eternal symbolism

At the heart of the St Philip martyrium lies its distinctive octagonal design—a deliberate architectural choice loaded with theological meaning. The number eight serves as a powerful symbol for eternity or the Eon (time without end), according to early church fathers like St. Ambrose. This central octagon contained a circular corridor surrounding the veneration space, originally crowned by an impressive wooden dome measuring 65 feet (20 m) in diameter, covered in lead.

Surrounding this central space are eight smaller chapels, each heptagonal (seven-sided) in design. These seven-sided rooms reference biblical symbolism—the number seven appears over 700 times in the Bible, from creation days to the Temple menorah branches. Likewise, the four triangular courtyards positioned at the corners represent the four Gospels, while their three-sided shape symbolizes the Trinity.

Christian symbols adorn the keystone of the arches, including circles with crosses, stars, and the Chrismon (Christ monogram). The entire architectural geometry rests upon the symbolic power of the number eight, emphasizing resurrection and eternal life.

Rooms for pilgrims and processions

Encompassing this sacred core, the martyrium features 28 small square rooms aligned along the rectangular portico's sides. These chambers served as accommodation for visiting pilgrims. In these spaces, as in other Byzantine sanctuaries associated with healing powers, visitors practiced incubation rites—a ritual where the sick would sleep inside the sacred precinct, believing St. Philip would heal them during slumber and potentially prophesy about their future.

The pilgrims' journey followed a carefully designed processional route. After entering through the north gate and traversing the city's main streets, visitors crossed a bridge and passed through a unique octagonal bath building where they purified themselves before approaching the holy site.

Absence of altar and burial chamber

Consequently, the most puzzling aspect of the martyrium emerges from what's missing. Despite its grandeur, no tomb was found within the central chamber where archeologists expected it. Ground-penetrating radar detected an anomaly precisely in the center of the hall beneath the floor, presumably the saint's sepulcher, yet it remains unexcavated.

This absence gained clarity when excavations revealed Philip's actual tomb was located in a separate church approximately 40 yards away. Nonetheless, the martyrium remained the focal point of veneration, as illustrated on a sixth-century bread stamp showing St. Philip standing between a canopy structure (likely covering a symbolic representation of his tomb) and the dome.

The Spiritual Legacy of the Martyrium

Beyond architectural significance, the Martyrium of st Philip Hierapolis fundamentally served as a center for spiritual healing and devotion that continues to resonate with visitors today.

Healing rituals and sacred baths

Pilgrims originally came to the martyrium seeking both spiritual enlightenment and physical healing. In the central nave of the church, archeologists discovered two baths for individual immersions dating to the 4th-5th centuries and two larger pools lined with marble slabs. These waters played a crucial role in healing rituals conducted directly next to the tomb, mirroring practices found in other Byzantine sanctuaries throughout Anatolia.

The 28 small rooms surrounding the martyrium served a unique purpose—housing pilgrims who practiced "incubation rites". During these rituals, the sick would sleep within the sacred precinct, believing St. Philip would cure their ailments during slumber or reveal prophecies about their future. These purification practices had deep roots in Jewish religious traditions, similar to the mikva'ot ritual baths found at Qumran near the Dead Sea Scrolls caves.

Modern pilgrimages and spiritual experiences

Throughout centuries, the site has maintained its spiritual magnetism. Even after catastrophic earthquake damage in the seventh century, pilgrims continued visiting the martyrium. Presently, visitors report profound spiritual experiences, with some claiming unexplainable phenomena—one tourist photographed what appeared to be "a shadow of a man perfectly clear standing next to me" despite no one being present.

The procession route to the martyrium remains partially intact, allowing modern visitors to follow ancient pilgrim paths across a bridge and up the monumental staircase, experiencing the site as early Christians once did.

Preservation and future of the site

Over time, the martyrium endured significant hardships. After the devastating seventh-century earthquake and subsequent fire, two small churches were constructed among the ruins. Even following the Seljuk Turkish conquest in the 12th century, the site retained its association with St. Philip.

Ongoing excavations and restoration work promise to rejuvenate this sacred space. As these efforts progress, the Martyrium of st Philip will undoubtedly attract new generations of pilgrims from across the globe, ensuring its spiritual legacy continues into the future.

The discovery of St. Philip's tomb stands as a testament to archeological perseverance and historical significance. Though located 40 yards away from the expected site, this sacred burial place has fundamentally transformed our understanding of early Christian worship in Hierapolis. The martyrium's octagonal design brilliantly embodies resurrection symbolism through its eight-sided structure, while its surrounding chambers once welcomed countless pilgrims seeking spiritual and physical healing.

Hierapolis itself represents a remarkable convergence of natural wonder and religious heritage. Many visitors flock to the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, yet miss the profound Christian history beneath their feet. When you explore beyond the famous thermal pools, you'll uncover a city that flourished as both a Roman spa destination and an early Christian center.

The question of which Philip rests in Hierapolis—Apostle or Evangelist—remains unresolved despite centuries of scholarship. Nevertheless, this uncertainty hasn't diminished the site's spiritual power. Pilgrims throughout history have journeyed here seeking connection with the saint, regardless of conflicting historical accounts.

Time has certainly taken its toll on the martyrium. Earthquakes, fires, and conquests have altered its physical structure, but failed to erase its spiritual significance. Consequently, preservation efforts continue to protect this irreplaceable testament to early Christianity.

As you walk the ancient processional route today, following the same path countless faithful traversed centuries ago, the martyrium still evokes profound reverence. St. Philip's legacy endures not just in architectural remnants but in the continuing spiritual experiences of those who visit. Therefore, the Martyrium of St. Philip remains both an archeological treasure and a living spiritual landmark—a place where ancient faith and modern pilgrimage still beautifully converge.

FAQs

Q1. What is the historical significance of Hierapolis? 

Hierapolis was an important ancient city that served as both a Roman spa destination and an early Christian center. It gained prominence as the site of St. Philip's martyrdom in 80 AD and later became a significant religious hub for the Eastern Roman Empire, featuring several churches and the renowned Martyrium of St. Philip.

Q2. Who was St. Philip and why is there confusion about his identity? 

There is ongoing debate about whether the St. Philip associated with Hierapolis was the Apostle chosen by Jesus or Philip the Evangelist mentioned in Acts. This confusion stems from similar accounts in early church writings and biblical references, making it challenging to definitively determine which Philip was martyred and buried in Hierapolis.

Q3. How was St. Philip's tomb discovered? 

The tomb of St. Philip was unexpectedly discovered in 2011 by archeologist Francesco D'Andria and his team. Contrary to initial expectations, it was found in a newly excavated church about 40 yards away from the octagonal hilltop martyrium, where it was originally thought to be located.

Q4. What is unique about the design of the Martyrium of St. Philip? 

The Martyrium features a distinctive octagonal design rich in symbolism. Its central octagon represents eternity and resurrection, surrounded by eight smaller chapels and four triangular courtyards. The structure also includes 28 small rooms for pilgrims and various Christian symbols adorning its architecture.

Q5. How do modern visitors experience the Martyrium of St. Philip? 

Today, visitors can follow the ancient pilgrim route to the Martyrium, crossing a bridge and ascending a monumental staircase. While the site has undergone changes due to earthquakes and conquests, it continues to evoke spiritual experiences for many. Ongoing preservation efforts aim to protect this important testament to early Christianity for future generations.