Phrygia 🏛

Phrygia holds a fascinating place in the tapestry of ancient Anatolian history and mythology. Situated in the heart of what is now Asian Turkey, its story weaves through the ages, from the heroic tales of Greek mythology to its role as a kingdom at the crossroads of empires.

The Phrygians left a significant imprint on the ancient world, from their mythical kings like Gordias and Midas to their influence on religion, music, and culture. Their capital, Gordium, was a symbol of their power and wealth, although it met a dramatic end at the hands of the Cimmerians.

Phrygia's religious practices were distinctive, with a pantheon headed by the goddess Matar Kubeleya, later known as Cybele. The Phrygians also contributed to the development of Greek music, with their Phrygian mode and the invention of the aulos.

In the political arena, Phrygia saw periods of expansion and fragmentation, coming under the sway of empires like Lydia, Persia, and Rome. Its strategic location made it a prize for conquerors like Alexander the Great, who famously cut the Gordian Knot in its capital.

The Jews of Phrygia formed a notable minority, resettled there by the Seleucid king Antiochus III. Evidence suggests they thrived, with synagogues in various cities and involvement in local society.

Phrygia's story is not just one of conquest and empire but also of cultural exchange and religious innovation. From its mythical past to its historical legacy, Phrygia remains a rich and complex part of ancient Anatolia's heritage.