The Citadel of Gordion and the Dating of the Midas Monument at Midas City

A re-evaluation of the Midas Monument at Midas City challenges its previously proposed early sixth-century BCE dating, instead supporting a late eighth-century BCE origin. The study argues that the monument's architectural features align with Phrygian rather than Lydian styles, reinforcing its association with King Midas' reign during the height of Phrygian power in central Anatolia. This conclusion is based on detailed analysis of stylistic and contextual evidence, including comparisons with contemporary Phrygian structures at Gordion. The research provides new insights into the chronological framework of Iron Age Phrygia and the political dynamics of the region during this period.

Rose, C. B., & Darbyshire, G. (2025). The Citadel of Gordion and the Dating of the Midas Monument at Midas City. American Journal of Archaeology, 129(2), 257–261. https://doi.org/10.1086/734072