Was King Midas real? Archaeological evidence from Gordion suggests he was.
In short: For over 70 years, excavations at the ancient city of Gordion have unearthed evidence of Phrygian life. This lecture explores recent findings, including a monumental citadel gate and the site where Alexander the Great reportedly severed the Gordian Knot.
Dr. C. Brian Rose, director of the Gordion Archaeological Project, details discoveries from the past two seasons of excavation in central Türkiye. The site has provided significant insights into Phrygian construction techniques, defensive architecture, and cult practices, while confirming that the legendary King Midas was a historical figure.
The research highlights a monumental citadel gate, believed to be part of a Phrygian royal palace, and identifies the specific shrine associated with the legend of Alexander the Great and the Gordian Knot. Dr. Rose, the James B. Pritchard Professor of Mediterranean Archaeology at Penn, brings 25 years of prior experience co-directing excavations at Troy to this ongoing project.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Excavating the Royal City of Midas
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