Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound)
Γόρδιον · Gordion S Gate
Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE)·Hallstatt / Early Iron Age·🇹🇷 Ankara, Polatlı, Gordion, Turkey
About
About Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound)
Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound) in Ankara, Polatlı, Gordion, Turkey is a Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE) tumulus attributed to Hallstatt / Early Iron Age. Systematic survey and coring document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal enclosure and domestic quarter. Dimensions mound 22 m diameter × 6 m high; ditch 2 m deep; area 3.6 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Hallstatt / Early Iron Age tumulus with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 720 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ritual landscape model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500–1200 BCE
- Period
- Early Bronze Age to Iron Age (2500–500 BCE)
- Culture
- Hallstatt / Early Iron Age
- Builders
- Hallstatt
- Purpose
- Elite burial and ritual mound
- Rediscovered
- 1922
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1500–1200 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1025 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1938
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
39.6500° N · 31.9800° E · 720 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound) — structure with stratified deposits
39.6509° N · 31.9782° EAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound) — complex with stratified deposits
39.6508° N · 31.9783° EOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Gordion — Citadel Gate South (Midas Mound) — outlier with stratified deposits
39.6522° N · 31.9789° E