Gordion Gordion, situated approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Ankara in the Central Anatolia region, boasts a history that extends back to the Early Bronze Age. The archaeological site, located on a mound close to the Sakarya River and the village of Yassıhöyük, is mainly linked to the Phrygians, an ancient people who settled in the area following the decline of the Hittite civilization. For much of its existence, Gordion served as a key hub of Phrygian culture. However, in 333 BC, the city was conquered by Alexander the Great, marking the end of Phrygian dominance in the region. The city is widely renowned for its association with King Midas and the famous Gordian Knot legend, which is said to have been untied by Alexander the Great during his campaign. Several ancient writers such as Arrian, Justin, and Aelian have narrated the tale of the Gordian Knot and its connection to Gordion. Although the city enjoyed a lengthy and intriguing past, it eventually declined and was deserted during the Medieval era. Today, Gordion stands as a significant archaeological site, symbolizing the lasting heritage of the Phrygian civilization and its culture. In the 8th century, the Phrygians rebuilt their fortress at a higher vantage point, believed to be the residence of King Midas, a powerful figure among the Phrygians. During this period, they also established a fortified Lower Town, situated about two kilometers from the main settlement mound and flanked by defensive walls on either side. The Phrygian stronghold remained active until Alexander the Great arrived in 333 BCE. Afterwards, Gordion fell under the rule of Lydia to the west and was later controlled by Cyrus II of Persia during his conquest of Asia Minor. Although only a small portion of the original structures, which date back more than 2000 years, are visible today, they still reflect the city’s rich historical significance. Around Gordion, there are nearly 150 burial mounds dating from the 9th century BC to the 3rd century BC. The majority of these mounds were constructed by the 6th century BC at the latest and are often prominently located, harmonizing with the stark natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. These tumuli stand out to visitors due to their impressive size and their striking presence amid the open plains. The tumuli around Gordion vary in height, some measuring between 3 and 12 meters, while others are much larger. The tallest, known as the Midas Mound Tumulus, reaches 53 meters and was built approximately in 740 BCE. This ancient mound is not only one of the oldest wooden structures still standing worldwide but also carries deep cultural importance. Most of these burial mounds are located within a radius of 3 kilometers from the Main Settlement Mound. Both these and more distant tumuli were intentionally positioned to remain visible from the Phrygian administrative center, symbolizing the reach of their authority. Because of its immense historical and cultural value, Gordion was included on the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2012. It was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply send us a message on Whatsapp, and we will reply as promptly as possible.