Professor Tomasz Ważny with Anna Elzanowska, MA, from the Centre for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, conducted dendrochronological research at Gordion in what is now central Turkey. At the archaeological site, which is on a par with Troy in terms of significance, they investigated, among other things, the tumulus (barrow) of the mythical king Midas.

A total of 125 tumuli have been discovered around Gordion, of which only a third have been studied so far. Research by scientists from the University of Torun aims to establish the exact timeframe of the various development phases of the city and the creation of the barrows.

The Midas tumulus was excavated to a height of around 60 m and has a diameter of over 300 m. The interior concealed a fully equipped burial chamber, the contents of which are on display at the Ankara Archaeological Museum. Exquisitely maintained to this day, the chamber was made of solid juniper and pine logs and is the oldest surviving wooden structure in the world.

Read more: https://portal.umk.pl/pl/article/na-tropach-krola-midasa