Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, has announced a groundbreaking archaeological discovery in the ancient city of Gordion—the legendary homeland of King Midas. A newly excavated tomb, dating back to the eighth century BC, is believed to hold the remains of a royal family member connected to the famed Phrygian king.

The burial mound, discovered by a team of archaeologists in Gordion, southwest of Ankara, contained cremated remains alongside rare artefacts, offering a glimpse into the elite burial customs of the Phrygian kingdom.

"Based on the unique features of these artefacts, we estimate that the person interred in the tomb chamber may very well be a member of the royal family connected to Gordion and Midas," Ersoy stated during a press conference on June 3, as reported by Anadolu Ajansı.

Gordion served as the capital of the Phrygian kingdom, which flourished between 1200 and 675 BC. The eighth century BC saw the rise of King Gordias, linked to the legendary Gordian Knot—a complex puzzle famously "solved" by Alexander the Great by slicing it with his sword. His son, Midas, later ruled the kingdom and became a mythical figure, renowned for his supposed ability to turn objects into gold with a touch—a legend symbolizing the dynasty’s immense wealth.

The newly uncovered tomb is the 47th mound excavated at Gordion and stands at an impressive 26 feet (8 meters) tall and 200 feet (60 meters) in diameter. According to Yücel Şenyurt, co-director of the Gordion excavation, this mound contains the oldest cremation burial found at the site so far, providing crucial insights into Phrygian funerary traditions.

The largest tomb previously discovered in Gordion is the "Midas Mound," dating back to around 740 BC. Believed to potentially hold the remains of Gordias, Midas’s father, the burial featured a log coffin surrounded by opulent purple textiles and intricate bronze artefacts, showcasing the kingdom’s artistic sophistication.