Turkey Unearths 2,800-Year-Old Royal Tomb With 100 Artifacts Near King Midas Site

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a significant royal tomb dating back to the eighth century BCE near the ancient city of Gordion, the historic capital of the Phrygian kingdom and homeland of the legendary King Midas. The burial mound, known as the 47th mound excavated at Gordion, contained cremated remains of an elite individual believed to be a member of Midas's royal family, marking the first known cremation burial among the Phrygians. The wooden burial chamber, well-preserved and measuring about 10 by 9 feet, housed over 100 artifacts, including bronze vessels and rare textiles, which reflect the artistry and funerary customs of the time. This discovery sheds light on a possible shift in Phrygian burial practices and is regarded as one of the most important archaeological finds in the region in recent years. Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy highlighted the find as part of a broader golden age of archaeology in Turkey, with ongoing efforts to reveal the country's ancient heritage. The new tomb's proximity and similarity to the famous Midas Mound, believed to hold Midas's father, further emphasize its royal significance.