The Mystery of Ancient Underground Cities: The Truth Behind Zoroaster’s Legend?

| Archeaology
March 1, 2025

In the ancient texts of Zoroaster, there is a story of a catastrophe that devastated the Earth: a brief but intense ice age, known as “The Days of Malkush.” According to the legend, this event lasted for about three years, bringing deadly cold winds that wiped out life on the Earth’s surface. Before the disaster struck, Ahura Mazda—the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism—warned humanity and provided a means of survival: building underground cities to escape the destruction of nature.

Is this story merely a myth, or does it reflect a forgotten historical reality? Could “The Days of Malkush” be a faded memory of a real ice age that once struck the Earth?

The image you see is Derinkuyu, a mysterious underground city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. According to archaeologists, the center of this city existed at least 2,800 years ago, around the 8th century BCE. However, the natural cave systems in this region may have existed long before that, expanded and utilized by ancient civilizations.

Derinkuyu is not just a simple cave but a highly complex urban structure with 18 underground levels, plunging 85 meters deep. The city could house up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and food supplies. It contained essential facilities: wells, chapels, schools, stables, and even areas for wine and olive oil production. Moreover, massive stone doors were designed to seal off the city, protecting its inhabitants from external threats.

The existence of Derinkuyu remained unknown until 1963 when a man, during renovations in his home, accidentally uncovered a passage leading to this subterranean world. Since then, Derinkuyu has become one of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries, raising countless questions about the technical capabilities of ancient humans.

What’s even more astonishing is that Derinkuyu is not an isolated case. Thanks to modern technology, we are uncovering a global network of underground cities and tunnels:

Egypt: Beneath the Giza Plateau, researchers have discovered a vast system of tunnels, caves, and underground rivers. According to archaeologist Dr. Selim Hassan, many passages extend for kilometers, suggesting that the ancient Egyptians (or perhaps an earlier civilization) possessed advanced excavation techniques.

Guatemala: Under the Mayan pyramid complex of Tikal, scientists have mapped over 800 kilometers of tunnels, many of which remain unexplored.

China: In 1992, 24 artificial caves were discovered in Zhejiang province, featuring astonishingly precise cuts. It is estimated that 36,000 cubic meters of stone were removed to construct them.

Europe: Thousands of Stone Age tunnels, known as “Erdstall,” stretch across the continent, leaving archaeologists puzzled about their original purpose.

Modern science has revealed that approximately 12,000 years ago, the Earth experienced a sudden and severe cooling event, known as the Younger Dryas Ice Age. This period, lasting around 1,300 years, led to dramatic temperature drops and disruptions in global ecosystems. This raises an intriguing hypothesis: could “The Days of Malkush” described by Zoroaster be a distorted memory of this cataclysm?

If so, were underground cities like Derinkuyu built as refuges from the harsh climate? Or were they intended for another purpose?

A larger question emerges: Why did our ancestors go to such great lengths to construct these underground cities? If they were merely seeking shelter from the cold, small natural caves could have sufficed. However, Derinkuyu and similar sites were not temporary shelters; they were complete urban systems. This suggests alternative possibilities:

Were they hiding from an enemy, perhaps hostile tribes or a mysterious force?

Were they seeking protection from meteor impacts, volcanic eruptions, or other natural disasters?

Or is it possible that an advanced civilization once existed, forced to live underground for survival?

Even with 21st-century technology, constructing an underground city like Derinkuyu would take decades, requiring immense resources and expertise. How, then, could humans from the Iron Age—or even earlier—achieve such a feat?

Recent archaeological discoveries are revealing an astonishing reality: the history of humanity may not be as straightforward as we once believed. It is possible that advanced civilizations existed long before recorded history but vanished due to unknown events.

Derinkuyu, along with underground tunnel systems worldwide, may be remnants of a past we have yet to fully understand.

Are we ready to confront this truth? Or will we continue to dismiss these findings as mere legends?

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

Related Posts