In June 2025, archaeologists in Gordion, Turkey, discovered a well-preserved wooden burial chamber beneath Tumulus T-26. This burial mound is located in the ancient city of Gordion, about 60 miles southwest of Ankara.
The excavation was led by Professor Süleyman Yücel Şenyurt from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University. The chamber measured 3.1 by 2.8 meters and contained 88 metal artifacts, including large bronze cauldrons and iron-nailed vessels affixed to the walls.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the individual buried was likely a member of the Phrygian royal family. The location of the tomb near King Midas' father's burial mound suggests a familial connection.
Professor Charles Brian Rose of the University of Pennsylvania noted the presence of bronze vessels dating back to the 8th century BC. The discovery provides insight into Phrygian burial customs, highlighting the use of bronze and iron artifacts.
The Gordion Museum plans to exhibit the chamber and its contents by the end of 2025. Gordion, the capital of the ancient Phrygian kingdom, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
This find confirms Gordion's significance as a center of power, trade, and culture in ancient Anatolia. It offers a glimpse into the life and customs of the Phrygian elite.