Advertisement

Tomb Most Likely Not King Midas’

Share

A monumental tomb at Gordion in central Turkey long believed to be the burial place of the legendary King Midas most likely is not, according to Cornell University researchers. Using tree-ring dating to pin down the age of objects, they reported in the Dec. 21 issue of Science that wooden furnishings in the tomb were made about 740 BC. But Midas did not rule the kingdom of Phrygia until after 718 BC, so it is likely the tomb was built for one of his predecessors.

*

Compiled by Times medical writer Thomas H. Maugh II.

Advertisement