A woman buried in Turkey in the Iron Age era

The Central Anatolian Iron Age culture, particularly epitomized by the region of Gordion and the ascendancy of the Phrygians, represents a vibrant tapestry of socio-political, economic, and artistic developments. Occupying the vast Anatolian plateau, the Phrygians were a significant force that shaped the cultural and historical landscape during the early first millennium BCE.

Geographical and Historical Context

Location: The Phrygians, originally Indo-European migrants, settled in central Anatolia, with Gordion, near modern-day Ankara, serving as their political and cultural epicenter. Gordion's strategic location along the Sakarya River facilitated its role as a hub for trade and cultural exchange, linking it to other contemporaneous civilizations such as the Hittites, Lydians, Greeks, and Assyrians.

Historical Background: The Iron Age in Anatolia followed the collapse of the Hittite Empire around the 12th century BCE. The Phrygians emerged as a prominent power in the region during the early part of the first millennium BCE, achieving their zenith around the 9th to 8th centuries BCE. This era is primarily defined by the legendary King Midas, who is often associated with the wealth and prosperity of Phrygian Gordion.

Political Structure

The Phrygian society was likely organized into a monarchy, with King Midas being the most famous ruler due to both historical accounts and Greek mythology. The Phrygians held substantial influence over their subjects and managed a society characterized by a hierarchical structure. This governance allowed them to maintain control over a diverse population and manage the complexities of a trading society.

Economy and Trade

The economy of Phrygian Gordion was robust and heavily reliant on agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. The fertile lands of central Anatolia supported abundant grain production, while livestock, particularly sheep and goats, was vital for meat, milk, and wool.

Trade Networks: The Phrygians' strategic geographic position facilitated trade with neighboring regions, allowing the exchange of goods such as timber, textiles, and metalwork. Gordion served as a vibrant marketplace, connecting the Aegean, Anatolian, and Near Eastern worlds, which further stimulated its economy and cultural exchange.

Material Culture

Architecture: The architecture in Gordion was noted for its megaron structures—rectangular buildings with a central hearth, thought to have served both residential and ceremonial purposes. The construction techniques illustrated advanced knowledge of engineering and urban planning, with evidence of substantial city walls for defense and communal storage facilities.

Artistry and Craftsmanship: Phrygian artistry reflected a mix of indigenous influences and external interactions. The Phrygians excelled in metalwork, pottery, and textiles. Their artisans produced intricate bronze and iron artifacts, as well as ornately woven Phrygian carpets and tapestries which were highly valued in trade.

Tumulus Tombs: Phrygian burial practices included the construction of large tumulus tombs, most notably the “Midas Mound” or Tumulus MM at Gordion. These earth-covered burial mounds demonstrated both engineering prowess and the socio-political importance of elite individuals. The tombs often contained a wealth of grave goods, reflecting status and beliefs in an afterlife.

Religion and Beliefs

The Phrygian pantheon was dominated by the Mother Goddess, Cybele, reflecting the culture's syncretic nature. Ritualistic practices and beliefs showed significant influence from neighboring cultures. Phrygian religious life was intricately tied to their arts and politics, with priestly classes holding considerable power and influence.

Linguistic and Cultural Influence

The Phrygian language is an Indo-European tongue thought to be closely related to Greek. Although not as well-documented as Hittite, inscriptions have proven valuable in understanding the language and its script. Their mythological and cultural narratives, as inherited by the Greeks, ensured the longevity of the Phrygian legacy, particularly through figures like Midas.

Decline and Legacy

By the late 7th century BCE, Phrygia faced decline, attributed to various factors like Cimmerian invasions and eventual subjugation by the Lydians, followed by Persians. Despite this decline, the cultural and political legacy of the Phrygians, as well as their contributions to art, language, and mythology, persisted in the broader tapestry of ancient Anatolian culture.

In summary, the Central Anatolian Iron Age culture of the Phrygians at Gordion encompasses a noteworthy period marked by cultural richness, complexity in social and political structures, and significant contributions to art and economy. The Phrygians forged a cultural identity that resonated long beyond their political dominance, embodying a critical chapter in the ancient history of Anatolia.