In Turkey, a man chasing his hens stumbled upon the ancient underground city of Derinkuyu, accommodating 20,000 people with churches and schools. The city served as a refuge for Christians fleeing persecution and is now open for visitors to explore.
Man Chasing Chicken Finds 2,000-Year-Old Underground City Once Home To 20,000 People

An individual who was chasing his hens around his property when he came across an abandoned ancient city that had previously been home to 20,000 people received the shock of his life.
The unusual incident took place in the basement of a Turkish resident who shall remain nameless.
He was attempting to remove his chickens, but they escaped through a hole in the wall where renovations were being made.
When he destroyed it, he discovered a tunnel that led to one of the most amazing unintentional historical discoveries in ages.

The man's discovery of the ancient city of Elengubu in 1963 is still a mystery, as is what became his chickens.
It was around 280 feet below the surface of Cappadocia, where the guy lived, and is regarded as the world's largest underground city that has been extensively explored. It is now known as Derinkuyu.
And it had two levels that could accommodate about 20,000 people.
A church, a school, dwellings, and other public places are also included for the inhabitants who lived there at the time.

However, 200 additional minor underground cities have been unearthed after the discovery, all branching off from Derinkuyu, even though only 40 meters of the site have actually been dug up.
The city either dates to the 15th century BCE or the 7th century BCE, according to the experts at Made In Turkey.
They said: “Despite the disagreement among the architects of the town, there is a general consensus that the underground metropolis served to hide its inhabitants from their enemies.”
“This purpose was especially crucial during the Byzantine period when Christians were fleeing from their Roman persecutors.”

“When the Christians got to Cappadocia and discovered the city, they expanded and modified its existing structures by adding churches, schools, wineries, and other chambers that suited their needs.”
“It is estimated that Derinkuyu could sustain up to 20,000 inhabitants and their animals at a go.”
The region is said to have been somewhat still in use in the early 1920s, but it was forgotten after Christians in the area were expelled from Turkey and relocated to Greece.
The site, as well as numerous other tiny cities discovered since then, are still being excavated.

In reality, visitors can tour the old city at any time of year.
The accidental discovery of Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city in Turkey, remains an awe-inspiring tale of historical significance.
Its extensive architecture and sophisticated design continue to astound researchers and visitors alike. As we unravel more of its enigmatic past, Derinkuyu stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors, showcasing the incredible achievements of ancient civilizations that continue to captivate us to this day.