Thread by @critographer

In 1963, a Cappadocian man discovered a mysterious chamber hidden behind a wall in his home. Investigation revealed access to the lost Byzantine city of Derinkuyu—an underground labyrinth reaching 279ft (85m) deep.🧵 1/3
#inspiration #History #writing #ttrpg #RPG #DnD #dnd5e

Artifact finds suggest construction began during the 5th century, and was completed by the 10th. Hewn from volcanic rock, the underground city’s countless rooms could shelter 20,000 people, their livestock, and food stores, all across five levels connected by stairs. 🧵 2/3

The upper levels of Derinkuyu hold stables, storerooms, chapels, and private homes. An abandoned cruciform church lurks alone at the deepest level. While the city was opened to visitors in 1969, over half of the tunnels—as well as the church—remain off-limits to the public 🧵 3/3