A fascinating tomb has been found in Turkey, possibly linked to the family of King Midas. This legendary figure, known for his mythical “golden touch,” ruled in the eighth century B.C. The tomb dates back to the ancient kingdom of Phrygia, once thought to be a centralized power focused around its capital, Gordion. However, recent findings suggest that political authority was more spread out than previously believed.
The tomb is located in the Karaağaç Tumulus, around 100 miles from Gordion. Archaeologists have discovered evidence that challenges the idea of a strictly centralized Phrygian society. According to Hüseyin Erpehlivan from Bilecik University, the position of this elite tomb suggests a more distributed political power across the region.
Erpehlivan notes that while the lavish artifacts found in the tomb hint at royal connections, they could also represent an elite gift exchange rather than a royal burial. The tomb itself rises 26 feet above the landscape, sitting atop a small hill, and has been the subject of archaeological study since its discovery in 2010.
In a study published in the American Journal of Archaeology, Erpehlivan and his team explored the tomb’s unique architecture and grave goods. They found similarities between these items and those from known royal burials in Gordion. This suggests the occupant may have been part of the Phrygian elite.
Among the artifacts were exquisite bronze vessels known as situlas and inscribed ceramic jars. These situlas had previously only been found in Midas’s assumed burial site, adding weight to the theory that the individual interred here had significant status in Phrygia. Erpehlivan suggests that this dates the tomb to a critical period between 740 and 690 B.C.
Historically, the myth of Midas, who turned everything he touched into gold, has captured imaginations for centuries. Aristotle referred to this legend as a warning against greed. The tale evolved over time, with details like Midas’s daughter being popularized in more recent literature.
A rising number of discoveries near Gordion have led experts like Brian Rose from the University of Pennsylvania to highlight the significance of these findings. With other burial mounds now resurfacing from the same time, it suggests a rich historical landscape that continues to unfold.
Interestingly, the Karaağaç Tumulus seems to contain graves that span nearly three millennia. This gives researchers a valuable window into Phrygian history. Maya Vassileva from New Bulgarian University believes that this site is a noteworthy example of elite burial practices away from Gordion, although she remains skeptical about connecting the situlas directly to royal status. Erpehlivan’s research has opened doors to new perspectives about Phrygian society—one that is more nuanced than a simple centralized narrative.
As archaeologists continue to excavate this rich site, the story of King Midas and the Phrygian kingdom has the potential for more surprising revelations.
