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The Why Files: Operation Podcast

534: DEEP DIVE: The Labyrinth Below: Derinkuyu's Ancient Mysteries

The Why Files: Operation Podcast

The Why Files: Operation Podcast

Science, Life Sciences, Fiction, Society & Culture, Documentary, Science Fiction

4.85.9K Ratings

🗓️ 28 February 2024

⏱️ 23 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Unearth the mystery of Derinkuyu, an underground city in Turkey that has captivated historians and explorers alike. Hidden beneath a modest home, this labyrinthine complex reveals a network of tunnels and rooms carved from the earth, hinting at a sophisticated society that once thrived in secrecy.

Marvel at the architectural genius and the sheer will it took to create such a sanctuary, capable of sheltering thousands from threats above. Join us as we navigate the dark corridors of history, exploring how and why ancient civilizations constructed this subterranean world, and the mysteries that still lie buried within its silent chambers.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

A man from Darren Kuyu in the Nevershire Province of Turkey was renovating his basement.

0:05.6

Using only a sledgehammer, he broke through one of his walls.

0:09.2

He felt cool air coming in from the other side.

0:12.4

When the hole was large enough to squeeze through, cool air coming in from the other side.

0:12.8

When the hole was large enough to squeeze through,

0:15.1

he decided to investigate.

0:17.0

Inside he found a small room-sized cave.

0:20.6

At first he was excited.

0:21.9

This could save him a lot of work. This area of Turkey has complex cave systems

0:26.8

so he thought he had accidentally stumbled into one. He didn't. When he turned on this flashlight, he saw writing on the walls,

0:34.9

Roman, Greek, and languages he didn't recognize.

0:38.9

And that first small room was only the beginning.

0:43.0

Flashlight in hand, he followed

0:49.0

Flashlight in hand, he followed the narrow stone hallway.

0:55.0

At first glance this looked like a natural cave formation,

0:59.0

but upon closer inspection he wasn't so sure.

1:02.0

The stone ceiling was rough like you'd expect to see an accident. After inspection, he wasn't so sure.

1:02.6

The stone ceiling was rough like you'd expect to see in a cave, but the walls were smooth.

1:08.2

Over hundreds or thousands of years, an underground river could have eroded away the stone, but there was something

1:14.6

eerie about this place. It was if he could feel a human presence. The hallway continued

1:20.7

for a few dozen feet, eventually spilling into a large room that could

1:24.9

fit dozens of people.

...

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