Among the many ancient civilizations that shaped early history in Anatolia, the kingdom of Phrygia stands out for its cultural richness, mythical legacy, and legendary rulers. Phrygia, located in what is now central Turkey, flourished from the 12th century BCE and played an influential role in early Iron Age politics and religion. It is best remembered for two kings whose names have echoed through myth and history alike King Gordias and King Midas. These two monarchs are central to understanding the legacy of Phrygian royalty, both for their political significance and for the legends associated with their rule.
Phrygia: A Historical Overview
Phrygia emerged after the collapse of the Hittite Empire and rose as one of the dominant powers in Anatolia. The Phrygians were Indo-European people who settled in the region and established a unique culture, blending elements of indigenous Anatolian traditions with influences from Greece and the Near East. Their capital was Gordion, a city that would become a center of power and mystery.
Phrygian kings ruled over a territory known for its skilled artisans, advanced urban planning, and deep religious beliefs. Their pantheon included deities like Cybele, the mother goddess, whose cult influenced later Greco-Roman worship. Despite their political prominence, the Phrygians were eventually conquered by the Cimmerians and later absorbed into the Lydian and Persian empires.
King Gordias: Founder of Gordion
Mythical Origins and the Gordian Knot
One of the most legendary kings of Phrygia was King Gordias, traditionally regarded as the founder of the Phrygian capital city, Gordion. According to ancient accounts, Gordias was a humble peasant or ox-cart driver who was chosen by an oracle to become king after a prophecy said that the next ruler would arrive in a cart. Gordias entered the city on his cart, and the people proclaimed him king.
To commemorate his rise to power, Gordias tied his ox-cart to a pole using a complex knot one that would later become known as the Gordian Knot. This knot was made from cornel bark and was so intricately tangled that no one could unravel it. A prophecy arose that whoever succeeded in untying the knot would rule all of Asia.
Symbolism and Legacy
The story of the Gordian Knot became a powerful symbol of unsolvable problems and bold solutions. The knot remained untouched until Alexander the Great came to Phrygia in 333 BCE. Instead of attempting to untie it traditionally, Alexander famously sliced through it with his sword, demonstrating his decisiveness and military ambition. This act sealed the legacy of King Gordias as a symbolic figure in one of history’s most famous legends.
While historical records of Gordias are limited, his role in founding Gordion and in shaping the mythos of Phrygia is essential. The name ‘Gordias’ became a royal title, and later Phrygian kings continued to trace their lineage back to him as a founder figure.
King Midas: The Golden Touch
The Historical Midas
The other major royal figure from Phrygia is King Midas, perhaps the most well-known Phrygian king due to the enduring legend of the ‘Midas touch.’ However, beyond mythology, there was indeed a historical King Midas who ruled in the 8th century BCE. He is mentioned in Assyrian texts as ‘Mita of Mushki,’ a ruler who clashed with and later allied with the Assyrian Empire.
Midas reigned during a time when Phrygia was at the peak of its power, and his kingdom was known for its wealth and craftsmanship. Archaeological evidence from burial mounds (tumuli) near Gordion, including the famed Midas Mound (or Tumulus MM), suggests that Midas was buried in an elaborate tomb filled with wooden furniture, bronze vessels, and ceremonial feasting items.
The Myth of the Midas Touch
The most enduring story about Midas comes from Greek mythology. In one version, Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus as a reward for his hospitality. Midas asked that everything he touched be turned to gold. Although delighted at first, he soon regretted the wish when his food, drink, and even his daughter turned to gold. Realizing his folly, he begged Dionysus to remove the curse. The god instructed him to wash in the river Pactolus, where the gold-making power was washed away explaining why the river was rich in gold sediments.
This myth has become a cultural metaphor for greed, unintended consequences, and the limits of human desire. While largely fictional, the story reflects Phrygia’s reputation for immense wealth and its interactions with Greek culture.
Political and Cultural Impact
Beyond myth, King Midas played a crucial diplomatic and military role in regional affairs. He maintained relationships with neighboring powers such as Urartu and Assyria and supported cultural exchange with Greek city-states. Phrygia under Midas became known not only for wealth but for political acumen. He is believed to have been a patron of the arts, further cementing his influence on the cultural landscape of the region.
Significance of the Two Kings
Both King Gordias and King Midas were central to the identity of Phrygia. While Gordias represented the origins and divine appointment of Phrygian kingship, Midas embodied the height of Phrygian power and its rich interaction with other civilizations. Together, they represent the dual legacy of Phrygia: one rooted in myth and prophecy, the other in diplomacy, culture, and opulence.
Lasting Influence
- Gordion remains a significant archaeological site, attracting scholars and tourists interested in ancient Anatolian history.
- The myth of the Gordian Knot continues to symbolize innovative solutions to complex problems in modern discourse.
- The tale of King Midas is widely retold in literature, music, and art, preserving Phrygian heritage in popular imagination.
- Artifacts from Midas’s tomb give insights into Iron Age craftsmanship and funerary practices.
The names of King Gordias and King Midas endure not only in ancient texts but also in the broader cultural memory of the ancient world. As kings of Phrygia, their stories bridge the realms of history and legend, politics and symbolism. From founding cities to altering the course of mythology, these rulers played irreplaceable roles in shaping Anatolian civilization. Their legacies continue to influence historical research and remain central to understanding the mysterious and fascinating world of Phrygian royalty.