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Gordion 65 pictures 3 minutes HQ video The ruins of Gordion, are near the Ankara-Eskisehir highway, 30 km north-west of Polatli. The name of the city is clearly related to the name Gordios, the first king of the Phrygians, but the relationship has not been conclusively explained. Whether the king gave his name to the city, or his own name was invented from the city's name, will perhaps never be known. The name Midas, son of Gordios, is also controversial and may be a generic name for 'king' rather than referring to a specific king or kings. The destruction of Gordion by the Cimmerians resulted in the suicide of King Midas. It is thought that a colossal tomb mound was erected in his honor near Sardis. The link between Midas and the myth of the "golden touch" may reflect gold being discovered during his reign, which ended in about 696 BCE. King Midas was referred to in the annals of King Sargon of Assyria as "Mita of Muski". Apparently Midas was expanding his influence southward into Cilicia, toward the sea coast, when Sargon fought and pushed him back. City Center and Palace This area is divided by a wide precinct wall into two courts, each flanked by Megarons (a characteristic Phrigian building type). Terrace Buildings There are 8 structures (megarons) on the southern side. These structures were centers for food and textile production. City Gateway The Phrygian citadel in the time of king Midas was entered through a large gate complex consisting of a ramped entryway, a gatehouse and two courts. Midas Tumulusu In 1957 archaeologists discovered the intact tomb of a Phrygian King probably buried sometime between 750-725 B.C. The tomb is actually a gabled 'cottage' of pine surrounded by juniper logs, buried beneath a tumulus 60 meters high and 300 meters in diameter. It is the oldest wooden structure ever found in Anatolya. Back to Turkey Index