The Digital Press

A man in Derinkuyu, Turkey, accidentally discovered a vast underground city in 1963 that once sheltered up to 20,000 people from invasions. This subterranean complex, carved into soft volcanic rock, dates back thousands of years and was used for refuge, storage, and worship.

Why it matters: Derinkuyu reveals ancient ingenuity in creating safe havens during times of war and harsh climate conditions.

The big picture: The site reflects a long history of continuous habitation and conflict in Cappadocia, spanning from Hittites to early Christians and beyond.

The stakes: The underground city’s history is intertwined with ethnic violence and displacement, including the largely unacknowledged Greek genocide in the early 20th century.

Commenters say: Readers appreciate the historical and archaeological significance but criticize the article’s omission of the violent recent history tied to the site’s abandonment.