From secret bunkers to creepy messages under a layer of wallpaper, it seems as if everyone is finding the craziest (and coolest) things in their home. And, if you thought uncovering a sunken living room or indoor swimming pool was the ultimate too-weird-to-be-true, the internet just reminded us that a man found an entire city under his home back in 1963. (Yes, you read that correctly: A city.)
According to a popular Instagram account called History Photographed, back in the early 1960s, a Turkish man was chasing his chicken in his basement during a round of renovations—and found a hole that lead to a series of intricate tunnels and shelters up to 280 feet deep.
Upon further investigation—and some serious excavation work—the area in question was identified as Derinkuyu, an underground city in Turkey that’s large enough to house up to 20,000 people. While its origins are up for debate—some think it was built by the Hittes in 200 B.C., while others believe the Phrygians created it in 900 B.C.—most historians agree that Derinkuyu was used as hiding place from enemies and conquerers. Regardless of who built it, it’s worth noting that the infrastructure is top-notch. As Atlas Obscura points out, none of the city’s floors have ever collapsed. In fact, many believe that the early Christian dwellers who eventually inhabited Derinkuyu added modern upgrades including stables, churches, and dedicated places to make wine and olive oil. (You know, the essentials.)
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It’s been decades since Derinkuyu was excavated—today there are even public tours of the underground city—but it seems that the people who are just learning about it now would’ve had a very different approach to this discovery than the homeowner who shared his news with the archaeological authorities. “He should’ve kept quiet,” one person wrote. “He would’ve had a great place to himself.” “I wouldn’t have told a soul,” a second commenter added. “I would have spent my life loving that piece of ancient history in peace and quiet.” Another person wished the owner had turned it into the ultimate bat cave. “So much potential,” they added. A fourth commenter said that the owner should’ve listed it on Airbnb—and if he had, we would’ve booked a room so quickly!
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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