GORDION (city in Phrygia)
Capital city of ancient Phrygia
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Phrygia
- Where
- 39.65° N, 31.98° E
Gordium was the former capital of the province of Phrygia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.42 ¶1 The site contains ancient dwellings of the Phrygians, including those of Midas and Gordius. Strabo 12.5.3 Gordium is located on the banks of the river Sangarius. Strabo 12.5.3
Described in the sources
It served as the royal seat for Castor, son of Saocondarius. Strabo 12.5.3 The enlarged village of Gordium was given the new name Juliopolis. Strabo 12.8.9 The territory of Gordium was taken from Phrygia and included in Galatia. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.42 ¶1 Gordium is described as a village slightly larger than the surrounding settlements. Strabo 12.5.3
Stories and history
Deiotarus also murdered his own daughter at Gordium. Strabo 12.5.3 Cleon enlarged the village of Gordium and turned it into a city. Strabo 12.8.9 Deiotarus razed the fortress and destroyed most of the settlement. Strabo 12.5.3