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5 Portals to Hell

The belief in the supernatural was rampant in ancient societies and in the medieval ages and it is still typical in the modern era. Mystery begets mystification, and before science became a religion, in and of itself, we often equated misunderstood science with magic, explaining any unfamiliar forces as a commandment of the gods, or god as the case may be. And where there is a god there must be a devil, and where there is a heaven, a hell of eternal damnation lies in wait. The sky is beautiful and the underground cold, dark, and deep or a fiery pit of  burning vengeance, so its no wonder we associate death and devils with the under regions. There are many names associated with hell, like the netherworld, the inferno, Hades, Seoul, or the abyss and there are many entrances if you know where to look. Here are 5 Portals to Hell.

5 Lacus Curtius

In the center of the Roman Forum, lies a great chasm that is somewhat still paved over with ancient stone. The widening chasm was said to be an entrance to Hades, where a young boy named Marcus Curtius plunged himself into the pit, regaled in full battle armor and riding his trusty steed. The city was in danger of invasion and according to the oracle, the only way Rome could save itself was by sacrificing what it held most dear. Marcus figured Rome held himself dearest, or at the very least the nubile youth was what Rome treasured  the most, and volunteered for the job. Another story states that Marcus Curtius was named after Mettias Curtius, who was rumored to have fell into the chasm while fighting in battle against Romulus, Rome's fabled founder.

4 Karakum Desert - Door to Hell

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Kerakum Desert is located in Central Asia in the Ahal Province of Turmenistan. It's door to hell is a natural gas, fire which has been burning continuously since 1971. The fire is fed by natural gas deposits under the ground and the smell of sulfur is almost overwhelming. The locals coined it's nickname "Door to Hell" after scientists started the fire in the 1970's to prevent methane gasses from leaking out and harming the local villagers. The scientists assumed incorrectly, that it would all burn off shortly, and instead it has burned for more than four centuries.

3 St Patrick's Purgatory

St. Patrick's Purgatory, a christian pilgrimage site on Station Island in Ireland, dates back to the fifth century and is reported to be the area where Jesus showed St Patrick a cave, that God declared an entrance to Purgatory. When St Patrick could not not convert the Irish he showed them the entrance to the cave, telling all that God showed him it's location. It seems awfully reminiscent of the caves the Romans used to astound and convert non-believers, like the next entry on this list. Again mistaking science for magic and miracles, the Irish were convinced of the cave's divinity and Catholicism is still the forefront religion in Ireland, St. Patrick being their patron saint.

2 Pluto's Gate to the Underworld

Pluto is the Greek equivalent of Hades, and Pluto's Gate was located in the ancient city of Hieropolis, in modern day Turkey. Like the last entry on this list, Pluto's Gate was used as a way to astound unbelievers into converting and reinforce a believer's fervor. Ancient priests would let animals into the cave where they promptly died at it's entrance. The priests, being more learned that the everyday Greek, knew that the poisonous gasses (carbon monoxide) seeping from pockets on the cave's floor, were heavier than air and therefore when an animal entered, it's body close to the ground, it would quickly die from the fumes (carbon monoxide poisoning). While the priests, being taller, walked in and out unharmed, it was seen as a miracle to the ignorant and proof that the gods protected their priests. One must wonder if St Patrick did learn this little trick in his studies and put it to good use on the uneducated masses.

1 Masaya Volcano

The Masaya Volcano is located in Volca Masaya National Park and is a popular tourist destination. The volcano was first described by the Spanish in 1524 and they believed it's spewing lava was pure melted gold. Since it was nicknamed the "Gates of Hell" it has erupted 19 times. The eruption that occurred in 4550 B.C. was one of the largest in the last 10,000 years, in more recent years it has become a mecca for satanic practices.

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