Ancient archaeologists find a 2,800-year-old royal tomb in Turkey, associated with the household of King Midas, containing astonishing artifacts
In the heart of Turkey, southwest of Ankara, lies Gordion - the ancient capital of the Phrygian kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For over 75 years, archaeologists have been uncovering the secrets of this long-lost civilization, and recent excavations have revealed an 8th-century BC royal tomb beneath a large burial mound.
The tomb, located near the Midas Mound, thought to be the burial site of Midas' father, Gordias, could possibly belong to Gordias himself or a relative of the mythical King Midas. The burial chamber, constructed with wood, was likely 8 meters tall and 60 meters in diameter but has since collapsed.
Among the most remarkable finds were well-preserved bronze artifacts and a bronze jug wrapped in linen, representing a rare example of textile preservation. The chamber also contained a series of bronze vessels and ceremonial items similar to those discovered at the Midas Mound.
Cremation was not a common practice among the Phrygians, but this is the first known case of cremation at Gordion. The discovery inside the royal tomb includes cremated remains, suggesting that the individual buried within was closely tied to the elite circles of the Phrygian kingdom.
C. Brian Rose, co-director of the Gordion excavation, commented that it's possible the tomb belonged to someone in Midas' family due to the similarities between the objects discovered in the tomb and those found in Midas' own burial site. Professor Yuçel Şenyurt, the lead archaeologist at Gordion's excavation, noted the unique nature of this burial.
Over 100 items were recovered, and conservation efforts are underway. Many of the artifacts are currently displayed at the Gordion Museum. Among the artifacts found in the chamber were dozens of rare bronze items, including cauldrons, jugs, incense burners, and other ceremonial vessels.
Archaeologists believe there is much more to be uncovered at Gordion, and the excavation continues. The discovery of this royal tomb promises further revelations about this ancient civilization and its connection to the mythical King Midas.
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