Ancient Phrygian Royal Tomb Discovered Near Ankara – Possible Relative of King Midas!
Archaeologists working at Gordion, close to modern-day Ankara in Turkey, have made an extraordinary discovery, a remarkably well-preserved wooden burial chamber believed to belong to a member of the Phrygian royal family, possibly related to the legendary King Midas. This newly uncovered tomb, known as Tumulus 26 (T26), dates back to the 8th century BCE and is considered the most significant find in the region for many decades.
Located in what was once the capital of the Phrygian kingdom, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023, excavations revealed a burial chamber measuring approximately 3.1 by 2.8 metres, hidden beneath a large mound standing 8 metres tall and spanning 60 metres in diameter. While the wooden structure itself had collapsed over time, archaeologists recovered more than 100 artefacts, including cauldrons, incense burners, and ceremonial vessels. Among these, 88 items made of bronze and iron have been conserved, with 47 already displayed at the Gordion Museum.
Photo Credit: Vikiçizer / CC BY-SA 3.0
One of the most remarkable finds is a bronze jug wrapped in linen, offering a rare glimpse into textile preservation from 2,700 years ago. Professor Yücel Şenyurt, director of the excavation and a scholar at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, highlighted the importance of this tomb, noting that it represents the earliest known example of cremation among the Phrygians, a notable departure from the usual burial customs of the era.
Tumulus 26 is situated close to the famous Midas Mound, which is believed to be the burial place of King Midas’ father, and shares many similarities with it. Professor Charles Brian Rose, who leads the Gordion Excavation Project, pointed out that the types of vessels found alongside the body closely resemble those in Midas’ own tumulus.
Photo Credit: Archaeologist1950 / CC BY-SA 4.0
The discovery was officially announced by Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, during a press conference held at the site. He described the finding as part of Turkey’s “golden age of archaeology,” praising government efforts to preserve the nation’s heritage through the “Legacy to the Future” programme. This initiative has expanded archaeological work across the country, leading to thousands of significant new discoveries in 2024 alone.
Conservation work on the burial chamber continues, with plans to exhibit it at the Gordion Museum by the end of 2025.
Gordion, famous for its links to the myths of the Gordian Knot and King Midas’ legendary “Midas Touch,” still has much to reveal about the ancient Phrygian civilisation. As excavations proceed, archaeologists are optimistic that further important finds will come to light.