World Capital Said To Have Been Founded By King Midas Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 14, 2025

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Unlocking the Golden Riddle: The City Founded by King Midas – A Crossword Clue Solved

The tantalizing crossword clue, "World capital said to have been founded by King Midas," points to a city steeped in myth and history. While the legendary King Midas is famously associated with the golden touch, the historical accuracy of his city-founding feat is debated. However, the clue directs us towards a specific capital city with strong ties to the Midas myth, providing an opportunity to delve into history, legend, and the fascinating intersection of mythology and geography.

This article will explore the likely answer to the crossword clue, examining the historical context, mythological narratives, and geographical evidence supporting the connection between King Midas and the relevant city. We'll also unpack the enduring legacy of Midas and his impact on cultural narratives and historical interpretations.

The Most Likely Answer: Gordium (Ankara, Turkey)

The most probable answer to the crossword clue is Gordium. Gordium was an ancient Phrygian city located in present-day Turkey, near Ankara, the modern-day capital. While the historical evidence isn't definitive, ancient Greek sources strongly associate Gordium's founding with King Midas, though the specifics vary across different accounts.

The Mythological Midas and the Founding of Gordium

Several Greek writers, including Xenophon and Strabo, link Midas to the founding or significant development of Gordium. While they don't always agree on the precise details, the common thread is Midas's connection to the city's origins and early growth. One prominent narrative suggests Midas established Gordium as his capital, building it into a significant Phrygian center. This narrative highlights the city's strategic location and its burgeoning influence under Midas's reign.

The story of Midas's golden touch, though more widely recognized, often overshadows his other alleged accomplishments. The connection between Midas and Gordium underscores the fact that his influence extended beyond the mythical realm of the golden touch, touching upon the realm of urban planning and kingdom building. Ancient writers described Gordium as a substantial city, further supporting the notion of a powerful ruler behind its development.

Historical Gordium: Evidence and Archaeological Findings

Archaeological excavations at Gordium have unearthed significant evidence of a thriving Phrygian civilization, dating back to the Iron Age, aligning with the timeframe of King Midas's reign. The discovery of royal tombs, impressive architecture, and sophisticated artifacts showcases the city's wealth and power, hinting at a strong ruler's influence. Though directly connecting these findings to Midas remains a challenge due to the mythical nature of the narratives, the evidence strongly supports the existence of a powerful Phrygian kingdom centered around Gordium during the relevant period.

Ankara: Modern Capital, Ancient Roots

Ankara, the current capital of Turkey, has evolved significantly since its ancient origins. The proximity of Ankara to the ruins of Gordium highlights the continuity of settlement and power in the region. While Ankara's modern identity is distinct, its location emphasizes the historical importance of the surrounding area, solidifying the connection between the ancient city of Gordium and the current capital. This geographical continuity strengthens the argument for Gordium (near Ankara) as the answer to the crossword clue.

The Enduring Legacy of Midas and Gordium

The enduring legacy of King Midas extends far beyond the realm of mythology. His name has become synonymous with wealth and extravagance, even if the "golden touch" is viewed as a curse in many retellings. Similarly, Gordium's historical significance resonates through its archaeological remains and its location near Ankara, a modern capital. The story of Midas and Gordium illustrates the complex interplay between mythology, history, and geography, emphasizing the enduring influence of ancient myths on our understanding of the past.

Dispelling Alternative Interpretations

While some might consider other cities associated with Midas in different mythological accounts, none possess the direct connection to a major world capital and the supporting historical evidence as Gordium does. This makes Gordium the most logical and historically-grounded answer to the crossword clue. The clarity offered by the clue's specification of a "world capital" narrows down the possibilities and points towards a city with both mythological and historical significance as a prominent center of power.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Clue Through History and Myth

The crossword clue "World capital said to have been founded by King Midas" ultimately leads to Gordium, the ancient Phrygian city near modern-day Ankara. By exploring the intertwining threads of myth and history, we've deciphered this riddle, showcasing how ancient narratives continue to shape our understanding of places and their evolution. The legacy of King Midas, though shrouded in myth, provides a fascinating lens through which to examine the historical development of Gordium and its connection to the current Turkish capital. The puzzle is solved, revealing a captivating story of a legendary king and his enduring impact on the world's landscape. The geographical evidence, coupled with the historical and mythological accounts, firmly establishes Gordium as the most fitting and accurate response to the given crossword clue.