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===The Kingdom historical King Midas ruled the Near Eastern kingdom of Phrygia===[[File: Ruins_of_Gordion.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|The Ruins of in the Ancient Phrygian Capital of Gordium]]Phrygian culture developed out of the Late Bronze Age collapse that took place around the year 1200 late eighth and early seventh centuries BC, as one of competing with the first cultures to bring civilization back to Anatolia (modern Turkey) after Assyrians for land and wealth in the Hittite Empire was destroyedregion. The Kingdom legend of Phrygia King Midas turning everything he touched to gold was located northeast of Lydia, west of a literary story developed later by the Halys RiverGreeks and Romans. Although obviously purely fictional, and north of Cappadociait was no doubt, with its capital city of Gordium located along the banks based on some degree of the Sangarius Riverreality. The exact location An examination of the kingdom, though, historical King Midas reveals that he was somewhat fluid because borders between kingdoms and peoples in ancient Anatolia were not as defined as they are today. For instance, the Greeks considered there to be actually a Greater strong and Lesser successful ruler who made Phrygia and one of the Persians essentially considered the Phrygians most powerful and Lydians as wealthy kingdoms in the same peoples because they were neighbors and shared early Iron Age Near East. King Midas may not have had a similar culture. <ref> Mellink, M. “The Native Kingdom of Anatolia.” In <i>The Cambridge Ancient History.</i> Edited by John Boardman, I.E.S. Edwards, N.GL. Hammond, E. Sollbergerliteral golden touch, but his successful rule was enough to inspire later Greek and C.B.F. Walker. Second Edition. Volume 3 part 2. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999), pgsRoman writers. 626</ref>
Although the linguistic background ====The Kingdom of Phrygia====[[File: Ruins_of_Gordion.jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|The Ruins of the Phrygians remains somewhat Ancient Phrygian Capital of an enigma, many scholars believe that Gordium]]Phrygian was an Indo-European language that culture developed out of Hittite, which was the dominant language in Late Bronze Age collapse around the region until year 1200 BC. <ref> Masson, O. “Anatolian Languages.” In <i>The Cambridge Ancient History.</i> Edited by John Boardman, I.E.S. Edwards, N.GL. Hammond, E. Sollberger, and C.B.F. Walker. Second Edition. Volume 3 part 2. as one of the first cultures to bring civilization back to Anatolia (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999modern Turkey), pgs. 699-70</ref> Besides some linguistic similarities between Hittite and Phrygian, the fact that Phrygia developed after 1000 BC in the former area of the Hittite Empire and was close in proximity to destroyed. The Kingdom of Phrygia was located northeast of Lydia, west of the LydiansHalys River, who did speak an Indo-European languageand north of Cappadocia, are points in favor with its capital city of Gordium located along the Phrygians’ Indo-European backgroundSangarius River banks. Still, some modern scholars argue that although Phrygian may be determined to be Indo-European at some pointThough, the evidence is exact location of the kingdom was somewhat fluid because borders between kingdoms and peoples in ancient Anatolia were not conclusive. <ref> Kuhrt, Amélie. <i>The Ancient Near East: c. 3000-330 BC.</i> (London: Routledge, 2010), pas defined as they are today. 566</ref>
Although For instance, the nature of the Phrygian language is still Greeks considered there to be determined, modern excavations of Gordium have proved that a Greater and Lesser Phrygia. The Persians essentially considered the Phrygians had and Lydians as the same peoples because they were neighbors and shared a written language before 700 BCsimilar culture. <ref> Mellink, pM. “The Native Kingdom of Anatolia.” In <i>The Cambridge Ancient History. 625</refi> Most of the earliest Phrygian writing was discovered in and around religious sites in short inscriptionsEdited by John Boardman, I.E.S. Edwards, N.GL. Hammond, often on vasesE. It is not known for sureSollberger, but the Phrygians probably based their written language on the Greek scriptand C.B.F. Walker. Second Edition. Volume 3 part 2. <ref> Masson(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999), ppgs. 667626</ref>
UnfortunatelyAlthough the Phrygians' linguistic background remains somewhat of an enigma, there is no known complete, extant many scholars believe that Phrygian religious text, but a combination of modern archaeological work at Gordium and references by later Greek writers helps shed some light on their religion. Phrygian kings were buried in large tumuli burial mounds, which were quite common throughout ancient Anatolia and indeed among nearly all ancient was an Indo-European peoples. <ref> Mellink, pgs. 631-2</ref> In terms language that developed out of daily religious practicesHittite, far less is known about which was the Phrygians. According to dominant language in the first century region until 1200 BC Greek historian, Diodorus, the primary deities of the Phrygians were the goddess Cybelle and the god Attis. <ref> DiodorusMasson, O. “Anatolian Languages. ” In <i> The Library of Cambridge Ancient History.</i> Translated Edited by John Boardman, I.E.S. Edwards, N.GL. Hammond, E. Sollberger, and C.HB.F. Walker. Second Edition. OldfatherVolume 3 part 2. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard Cambridge University Press, 20041999), Book III, 58pgs. 699-5970</ref> By the middle of Besides some linguistic similarities between Hittite and Phrygian, the eight century fact that Phrygia developed after 1000 BC, all in the hallmarks former area of Phrygian culture had long been in place the Hittite Empire and it was close in proximity to the premier kingdom in AnatoliaLydians, who did speak an Indo-European language, involved are points in trade and diplomacy with favor of the Greeks and Assyrians and also Phrygians’ Indo-European background. Still, some modern scholars argue that although Phrygian may be determined to be Indo-European at time war with some point, the latterevidence is not conclusive. <ref> Kuhrt, Amélie. <i>The Ancient Near East: c. 3000-330 BC.</i> (London: Routledge, 2010), p. 566</ref>
===The Mythological King Midas===The Greeks were Although the first people Phrygian language's nature is still to relate myths concerning King Midas’ golden touchbe determined, but the very way in which Midas became king is shrouded in myth and mystery. One modern excavations of Gordium have proved that the most complete Midas origin legends was Phrygians had a written by the second century AD Greek historianlanguage before 700 BC. <ref> Mellink, Arrianp. According to 625</ref> Most of the historianearliest Phrygian writing was discovered in and around religious sites in short inscriptions, Midas’ father, Gordius, witnessed a miraculous event when an eagle perched often on one of his wagonsvases. An oracle told him to offer to Zeus at It is unknown, but the site, which he did and also married Phrygians probably based their written language on the oracle who gave birth to MidasGreek script. Years later<ref> Masson, the prophecy was fulfilled when Midas became king of the Phrygiansp.667</ref>
“Now when Midas had grown to be a find and handsome man Unfortunately, there was trouble and strife among the Phrygiansis no known complete, extant Phrygian religious text. Still, a combination of modern archaeological work at Gordium and an oracle told them that a wagon would bring them a king, who would put an end to later Greek writers' references helps shed some light on their quarrelsreligion. While they Phrygian kings were still debating what to do about these thingsburied in large tumuli burial mounds, Midas with his father which were quite common throughout ancient Anatolia and mother drove up in the wagon and came to a stop at their place of meetingamong nearly all ancient Indo-European peoples. <ref> Mellink, pgs. Taking this to be the fulfilment 631-2</ref> In terms of the oracledaily religious practices, far less is known about the Phrygians decided that here was the man whom the god had foretold that a wagon would bring. So they put Midas on According to the thronefirst century BC Greek historian, Diodorus, and he made an end of their trouble and strife and laid up his father’s wagon on the acropolis as a thank-offering to Zeus Phrygians' primary deities were the King for sending goddess Cybelle and the eaglegod Attis.” <ref> ArrianDiodorus. <i> The Campaigns Library of AlexanderHistory.</i> Translated by Aubrey de SélincourtC.H. Oldfather. (LondonCambridge, Massachusetts: Penguin BooksHarvard University Press, 19712004), Book IIIII, 358-59</ref>By the middle of the eighth century BC, all the hallmarks of Phrygian culture had long been in place, and it was the premier kingdom in Anatolia, involved in trade and diplomacy with the Greeks and Assyrians and also at time war with the latter.
According ====The Mythological King Midas====The Greeks were the first people to this legendrelate myths concerning King Midas’ golden touch, but the very way Midas may not have had became king is shrouded in myth and mystery. One of the literal touch complete Midas origin legends was written by the second century AD Greek historian, Arrian. According to the historian, Midas’ father, Gordius, witnessed a miraculous event when an eagle perched on one of gold, but his ascension wagons. An oracle told him to offer to Zeus at the throne was otherworldly and site, which he did display a metaphorical golden touch by bringing different factions of Phrygians togetherand also married the oracle who gave birth to Midas. The legend of Midas’ golden touch, thoughYears later, the prophecy was retold in different legends, one fulfilled when Midas became king of the most memorable being in Ovid’s <i>Metamorphoses</i>Phrygians.
Ovid “Now, when Midas had grown to be a fine and handsome man, there was trouble and strife among the Phrygians, and an oracle told them that a wagon would bring them a Roman poet king, who would put an end to their quarrels. While they were still debating what to do about these things, Midas, with his father and writer who lived during mother, drove up in the era wagon and came to a stop at their place of meeting. Taking this to be the oracle's fulfillment, the Phrygians decided that here was the Roman Civil Wars in man whom the first century BCgod had foretold that a wagon would bring. His lengthy Latin poem survived So they put Midas on the Dark Ages throne, and became he made an end of their trouble and strife and laid up his father’s wagon on the basis acropolis as a thank-offering to Zeus the King for sending the modern versions of the King Midas storyeagle.” <ref> Arrian. One chapter of <i>MetamorphosesThe Campaigns of Alexander.</i> is dedicated to the Phrygian king’s desire to have the golden touch and his ultimate regret of its powerTranslated by Aubrey de Sélincourt.(London: Penguin Books, 1971), Book II, 3</ref>
“Bachhus<dh-ad/> According to this legend, Midas may not have had the literal touch of gold. Still, his ascension to the throne was otherworldly, and he did display a metaphorical golden touch by bringing different factions of Phrygians together. The legend of Midas’ golden touch, though, was retold in different legends, one of the most memorable being in Ovid’s <i>Metamorphoses</i>. Ovid was a Roman poet and writer who lived during the Roman Civil Wars era in the first century BC. His lengthy Latin poem survived the Dark Ages and became the basis for the modern versions of the King Midas story. One chapter of <i>Metamorphoses</i> is dedicated to the Phrygian king’s desire to have the golden touch and his ultimate regret of its power. “Bacchus, rejoicing in the safe return.
The Midas's disputes that Midas had with the Assyrians began to take their toll on the wealthy, yet relatively small kingdom. After Midas’ death, his successors were unable to could not effectively deal with the repeated conflicts with Assyria and attacks from semi-nomadic peoples such as the Cimmerians. The result was the dominance of the Kingdom of Lydia in Anatolia by the seventh century BC, leaving Phrygia as just another backwater that was ruled over by successive powers. <ref> Kuhrt, pgs. 565-7</ref>
Admin moved page Did Midas Really Have the Golden Touch? to Did Midas Really Have the Golden Touch
[[File: Schiavone_Midas.jpg|300px250px|thumbnail|left| “The Judgement of Midas” by Renaissance Painter Andrea Schiavone]]__NOTOC__Most people today are somewhat familiar with the legend of King Midas ' legend and that he was said to have the “golden touch.” The legend has been turned into a familiar pop culture meme seen on cartoons and even adopted by an American automotive repair franchise, bringing it into the minds of millions of people who probably would not have ordinarily known anything about it, but . But few are aware of the legend’s historical origins. The historical King Midas ruled the Near Eastern kingdom of Phrygia in the late eight and early seventh centuries BC, competing with the Assyrians for land and wealth in the region. The legend of King Midas turning everything he touched to gold was a literary story developed later by the Greeks and Romans and although obviously purely fictional, it was no doubt based on some degree of reality. An examination of the historical King Midas reveals that he was actually a strong and successful ruler who made Phrygia one of the most powerful and wealthy kingdoms in the early Iron Age Near East. King Midas may not have had a literal golden touch, but his successful rule was enough to inspire later Greek and Roman writers.
Of old Silenus (once his guardian).
Granted the king to choose his heart’s desire.
A choice that seemed a boon, but proved a bane.So Midas chose, a sorry choice: ‘Ordain.
That everything I touch shall turn to gold.’
The god indulged his wish, gave the reward,
Dire as it was, and mourned a choice so bad.” <ref> Ovid. <i> Metamorphoses.</i> Translated by A. D. MelvileMelville. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008), XL, 96</ref>
===The Historical =Who was King Midas?====
[[File: Black-figure_pottery,_Midas,_Hermes,_Silenos,_500_BC.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Greek Vase Depicting Midas Greeting the Gods Hermes and Silenus]]
Although the King Midas's mythical and legendary stories of King Midas are fantastic , to say the least, like all legends , they are based on some degree of reality. Modern historians generally consider Midas’ rule to be the highpoint of Phrygian culture, which is based on the material culture discovered in excavations and references to the king and his kingdom in Greek, Assyrian, and even biblical texts. The fifth -century Greek historian, Herodotus, mentions King Midas in a passage that demonstrates the political and cultural influence he had in the region at the time as well as and his wealth.
“Gyges was the first foreigner we know of, after King Midas of Phrygia, son of Gordias, to dedicate offering at Delphi. Midas presented the royal throne from which he used to give judgementjudgment; it stands with Gyges’ bowls, and is well worth seeing.” <ref> Herodotus. <i>The Histories.</i> Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. (London: Penguin, 2003), Book I, 14</ref>
The fact that Midas, a non-Greek, dedicated his own throne to the Oracle of Delphi certainly demonstrates that he and his kingdom were wealthy. The wealth of Phrygia is further corroborated in a passage from the Old Testament of the Bible where Meshech, which is believed by modern scholars to have been the Hebrew word for Phrygia, was described as “they merchant: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market” (Ezekiel 27:13). The Phrygians are also mentioned in the Assyrian annals as a perpetual problem for the mighty empire.
“My official, the governor of Kue (Cilicia) made a raid against Mitâ, who had not made his submission to the king who went before me, without changing his mind (i.e., he had not consistently refused submission), sent his messenger to me, to the sea of the rising sun (where I was), (offering) to do (feudal) service and to pay (bring) tribute and gifts." <ref> Luckenbill, Daniel David, ed. and trans. <i>Ancient Records of Assyria and Babylon.</i> Volume 2. (London: Mysteries of Man, 1989), p. 36</ref>
====Conclusion====King Midas was one of the greatest kings of the early Iron Age Near East, as his leadership and policies helped make the Kingdom of Phrygia among the wealthiest and most powerful at the time. It is no doubt undoubtedly because of his success as a monarch that the Greeks and Romans later attributed fantastic, legendary stories to Midas, the most well-known being that everything he touched turned to gold. Although King Midas may not have literally had the “golden touch,” he was certainly very successful in his political and economic endeavors.
===References=Suggested Readings====* Mellink, M. “The Native Kingdom of Anatolia.” In <i>The Cambridge Ancient History.</i> Edited by John Boardman, I.E.S. Edwards, N.GL. Hammond, E. Sollberger, and C.B.F. Walker. Second Edition. Volume 3 part 2. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999)* Herodotus. <i>The Histories.</i> Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. (London: Penguin, 2003)* Arrian. <i> The Campaigns of Alexander.</i> Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt. (London: Penguin Books, 1971)* Diodorus. <i> The Library of History.</i> Translated by C.H. Oldfather. (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2004)* Kuhrt, Amélie. <i>The Ancient Near East: c. 3000-330 BC.</i> (London: Routledge, 2010)
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