Skip to main content

The underground cities of the Byzantine Empire - Veronica Kalas

517,136 Views

1,431 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The breathtaking geological formations of Cappadocia are one of the most astonishing landscapes on Earth. Also known as “fairy chimneys,” this impressive terrain hides an equally remarkable feat of pre-modern engineering: a network of extensive underground cities stretching deep below the surface. Who inhabited these cities, and why? Veronica Kalas uncovers the secrets of this buried history.

Is it easier, or more difficult, to carve a church out of the living rock instead of building it out of brick, stone, and mortar from ground up?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Veronica Kalas
  • Director Serin İnan, Tolga Yıldız
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Dilara Karakaş
  • Animator Tolga Yıldız, İrem Usta
  • Compositor Tolga Yıldız
  • Art Director Serin İnan
  • Composer Tolga Yıldız
  • Illustrator Dilara Karakaş
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Script Editor Nidhi Upadhyaya

More from Ingenuity in the Developing World