Gordion Ancient City was the capital of Phrygia, in the village of Yassıhöyük in Polatlı district, southwest of Ankara. It is also spelled Gordium. You can still see the citadel gate and walls, the huge Midas Mound and many smaller burial mounds, and since 2023 the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
| Where | Yassıhöyük, Polatlı district, Ankara Province |
|---|---|
| Capital of | Ancient Phrygia |
| Biggest mound | Tumulus MM, over 50 meters high |
| Listed | UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2023 |
Gordion is the ancient city that was the historical capital of Phrygia. The city of Gordion is located at the junction of the main roads traversing Anatolia. It is rich in rivers and water resources. Additionally, the surrounding area is suitable for dry farming and animal husbandry. It is believed that the Phrygians were drawn to this location due to the potential it presented due to its geographical location.
After Gordios who was the first king of the Phrygia, his son Midas came to power and the Phrygia became a very powerful civilization. In mythology, it is believed that Midas turned everything he touched into gold. This legend hints to us that Gordion was a very wealthy city.
Many musical instruments today were developed by this civilization. Thousands of years-old motifs on Anatolian carpets date from the Phrygian period.
At the same time, Phrygian state was very developed in mining and wood processing. It is also a fact that the technology used by the Phrygians, especially in making safety pins, was very advanced compared to that period. Today, we find Phrygian pins in cities such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, and many more.
The ancient entrance gates, palaces within the city walls, and around 80 grave hills are among the ruins that have survived to the present day, and these works preserve their magnificence from the depths of history to the present day.
Gordion in the UNESCO World Heritage List
In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Gordion has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Main List. This prestigious status was granted after years of preparation and investigation, with all relevant documentation being submitted to UNESCO. The inclusion of Gordion on this esteemed list further highlights its importance as an extraordinary archaeological site.
The Midas Mound
The biggest burial mound at Gordion is Tumulus MM, called the Midas Mound. It is more than 50 meters high and about 300 meters across, and it was built around 740 BC. Inside is a wooden burial chamber, one of the oldest wooden buildings still standing in the world.
A tunnel leads into mound, and from there you can see the timber walls of the chamber. Many of the grave goods are kept in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.
The Gordian Knot
Gordion is also the home of the Gordian knot. The story says Gordios, the first king, tied the yoke of his ox cart with a knot nobody could undo, and whoever untied it would rule Asia. In 333 BC Alexander the Great came to Gordion, and most tellers say he cut the knot with his sword. I also covered his journey in my post on Alexander the Great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Phrygians?
The Phrygians were an Iron Age people of central Anatolia. Their kingdom grew strong in the 8th century BC, with Gordion as its capital. Aizanoi is another place in the Phrygian region.
Can you visit Gordion?
Yes. The Gordion Museum is in the village of Yassıhöyük, close to the Midas Mound, and a tunnel leads into the mound. Opening times can change, so write to me before you go.
Did Alexander really cut the Gordian knot?
We cannot be sure. The ancient accounts differ: some say he cut it with his sword, others that he pulled out the pin that held it. Either way, the story made Gordion famous.
