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00:00:04,872 --> 00:00:07,206
Narrator:
A mysterious ruined citadel.
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00:00:09,377 --> 00:00:13,212
Could this be the home of
the legendary king midas?
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00:00:13,314 --> 00:00:15,114
The story of midas
and the golden touch is
4
00:00:15,216 --> 00:00:17,916
One of the most famous
in greek mythology.
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00:00:18,019 --> 00:00:19,284
Narrator:
It's said that everything
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00:00:19,387 --> 00:00:21,520
King midas touches
turns to gold.
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00:00:23,090 --> 00:00:26,558
But where does this outlandish
claim originate?
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00:00:26,660 --> 00:00:29,962
Most myths have got
some kind of basis in truth.
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00:00:30,064 --> 00:00:32,364
Narrator:
Is midas a real person?
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00:00:32,466 --> 00:00:34,433
And is this his tomb?
11
00:00:34,535 --> 00:00:37,036
This monument is one of
the most spectacular
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00:00:37,138 --> 00:00:39,738
Discoveries of
the 20th century.
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00:00:39,840 --> 00:00:42,841
Narrator: Today, experts peel
back the layers of
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00:00:42,943 --> 00:00:45,978
A lost kingdom to reveal
the surprising truth
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00:00:46,080 --> 00:00:47,646
Behind the myth
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00:00:49,550 --> 00:00:53,052
And travel deep inside
strange ancient mounds
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00:00:54,422 --> 00:00:58,157
To discover whether these
ruins really do run with gold.
18
00:00:59,627 --> 00:01:03,429
On the quest for clues,
we reconstruct a lavish city.
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00:01:04,999 --> 00:01:07,199
We explore its dark tombs,
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00:01:09,070 --> 00:01:11,670
Come face to face
with a long-dead king,
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00:01:13,074 --> 00:01:16,809
And investigate glittering
treasures to unearth
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00:01:16,911 --> 00:01:18,277
What really lies behind
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00:01:18,379 --> 00:01:21,380
The story of king midas
and his golden touch.
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00:01:21,482 --> 00:01:27,986
♪♪
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00:01:30,791 --> 00:01:34,927
In central turkey lie
the ruins of a powerful,
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Fortified city --
gordion.
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00:01:38,599 --> 00:01:43,168
It's nearly 3,000 years old
but only recently discovered.
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00:01:45,239 --> 00:01:47,506
Just over 100 years ago,
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Workers building a new
railroad stumble across
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00:01:50,478 --> 00:01:53,112
An enormous mound
of ancient pottery.
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00:01:53,214 --> 00:01:56,148
When the archaeologists
began excavating here,
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00:01:56,250 --> 00:01:58,283
Even though they didn't know
it on the first day,
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00:01:58,385 --> 00:01:59,852
They were about
to discover one of
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00:01:59,954 --> 00:02:02,521
The major power centers
of the ancient world.
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00:02:05,926 --> 00:02:09,495
Narrator: Gordion is a city
of over 10,000 people
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And the heart
of a powerful kingdom.
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Towering over the city is
a fortified citadel
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Protected by a stone wall
over 16 feet high.
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00:02:24,478 --> 00:02:26,578
According to greek myth,
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The city's most famous ruler
is midas,
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A king who wishes for
everything he touches
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To turn to gold.
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It's an incredible story.
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Can it be based in truth?
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♪♪
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00:02:49,236 --> 00:02:51,036
The story of midas
and the golden touch
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00:02:51,138 --> 00:02:53,172
Is one of the most famous
in greek mythology.
48
00:02:54,542 --> 00:02:58,377
Narrator: Today, brian rose
leads investigations at gordion.
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00:03:00,447 --> 00:03:03,048
He's been working here
for 15 years,
50
00:03:03,150 --> 00:03:07,019
Uncovering why the city
rises to prominence.
51
00:03:07,121 --> 00:03:08,554
When visitors came to gordion,
52
00:03:08,656 --> 00:03:11,523
They would have passed through
a giant citadel gate,
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00:03:13,394 --> 00:03:16,828
One of the largest citadel
gates anywhere in the near east.
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00:03:18,399 --> 00:03:21,200
Narrator: The huge gateway
is over 30 feet high,
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00:03:21,302 --> 00:03:23,635
And the walls more than
20 feet thick.
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00:03:25,072 --> 00:03:28,807
Inside, there's an area
for workers and another
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00:03:28,909 --> 00:03:31,710
For the palaces and public
buildings of the elite.
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00:03:34,982 --> 00:03:39,184
Gordion is the capital city of
the ancient kingdom of phrygia,
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Which covers much of
modern-day turkey.
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00:03:43,791 --> 00:03:46,992
It's an hour's drive from
the turkish capital, ankara.
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00:03:50,264 --> 00:03:53,065
So why did gordion
become so important?
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00:03:53,167 --> 00:03:55,067
One of the reasons
is that it's right in
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The middle of the eastern
world and the western world.
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00:03:58,539 --> 00:04:00,138
All the trade routes between
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00:04:00,241 --> 00:04:03,108
East and west pass
through gordion.
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00:04:03,210 --> 00:04:05,277
Narrator: Unlike the greeks
and egyptians,
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The people of gordion leave
very few written records.
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00:04:11,085 --> 00:04:13,452
Their lives are still
shrouded in mystery.
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00:04:15,122 --> 00:04:18,223
Yet one story is passed down
for generations.
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00:04:21,895 --> 00:04:25,864
When midas does a favor
for the greek god dionysus,
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00:04:28,269 --> 00:04:29,768
He is granted a wish.
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00:04:33,374 --> 00:04:35,674
Midas asks for a magic power,
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00:04:37,311 --> 00:04:40,178
To turn everything
he touches to gold,
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00:04:40,281 --> 00:04:43,315
Making him rich
beyond measure.
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00:04:45,219 --> 00:04:49,388
But when he tries to eat,
his food turns to gold.
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00:04:49,490 --> 00:04:51,890
When he hugs his daughter,
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She turns
into a golden statue.
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00:04:55,963 --> 00:05:00,332
Dionysus has mercy and tells
midas to wash in the river,
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00:05:00,434 --> 00:05:03,535
Which runs gold
as the wish drains away.
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00:05:07,908 --> 00:05:10,142
I do believe that most
myths probably
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00:05:10,244 --> 00:05:12,577
Almost have got
some kind of basis in truth.
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00:05:15,316 --> 00:05:18,250
Narrator: Julian bennett
searches for evidence
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In the hills outside gordion.
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00:05:21,822 --> 00:05:26,625
First, he needs to find out
if midas is a real person.
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00:05:28,595 --> 00:05:30,429
An astonishing monument
cut into
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00:05:30,531 --> 00:05:33,098
The cliff face
may offer clues.
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00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:37,235
It's nearly 60 feet tall
and covered with
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00:05:37,338 --> 00:05:41,740
An intricate geometric design
of squares and crosses.
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00:05:41,842 --> 00:05:44,443
Bennett: They represent
buildings or temples,
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00:05:44,545 --> 00:05:46,311
Wooden buildings
or wooden temples.
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00:05:49,883 --> 00:05:52,283
Narrator: Julian thinks
the monument could prove
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That midas is real.
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00:05:55,489 --> 00:05:57,622
Bennett: From the style of
this monument, we can
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00:05:57,725 --> 00:06:00,926
Date it to about
the eighth century b.C.
95
00:06:01,028 --> 00:06:02,928
Gordion reaches its peak
round about
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00:06:03,030 --> 00:06:04,262
The eighth century b.C.,
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00:06:04,365 --> 00:06:06,932
Which we are told
was ruled by a midas,
98
00:06:07,034 --> 00:06:08,433
So the dates match.
99
00:06:12,906 --> 00:06:16,408
Narrator: An inscription
at the top of
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The monument provides
a further clue.
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It's written in phrygian, the
ancient language of the area.
102
00:06:24,818 --> 00:06:26,852
Phrygian is not fully known,
103
00:06:26,954 --> 00:06:29,788
But its similarity to
languages like ancient greek
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00:06:29,890 --> 00:06:32,224
Means it can be understood.
105
00:06:32,326 --> 00:06:34,526
Bennett:
What we have is
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00:06:34,628 --> 00:06:37,496
A declaration of a ruler
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00:06:37,598 --> 00:06:40,632
Called midas
who's obviously in command
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00:06:40,734 --> 00:06:42,968
Of this area
called phrygia.
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00:06:43,070 --> 00:06:45,137
Narrator: This giant
monument proves that
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00:06:45,239 --> 00:06:47,973
Midas is not
a mythological figure.
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00:06:48,075 --> 00:06:49,808
He's real flesh and blood.
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00:06:49,910 --> 00:06:56,081
♪♪
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Brian rose believes
further clues to establishing
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The truth behind the tale
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00:07:01,288 --> 00:07:03,555
May lie in
an intriguing connection
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00:07:03,657 --> 00:07:05,590
Between the monument
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00:07:05,692 --> 00:07:08,260
And midas's
capital city, gordion.
118
00:07:09,997 --> 00:07:12,164
Rose: The facade of
the midas monument
119
00:07:12,266 --> 00:07:14,232
Is covered by
geometric decoration.
120
00:07:15,702 --> 00:07:18,270
We think that it's
a reproduction of what
121
00:07:18,338 --> 00:07:19,438
The monumental buildings on
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00:07:19,540 --> 00:07:21,840
The citadel of gordion would
have looked like during
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00:07:21,942 --> 00:07:24,109
The reign of midas.
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00:07:24,211 --> 00:07:26,378
Narrator: The fortified citadel
covers an area
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00:07:26,480 --> 00:07:28,780
The size of
20 football fields.
126
00:07:30,017 --> 00:07:32,651
Behind its huge gates
are the city's most
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00:07:32,753 --> 00:07:34,019
Dazzling buildings.
128
00:07:38,525 --> 00:07:40,725
They stand
over 50 feet high.
129
00:07:43,497 --> 00:07:46,431
Striking patterns cover
the roofs of the buildings,
130
00:07:46,533 --> 00:07:52,237
♪♪
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00:07:52,339 --> 00:07:55,807
And stunning geometric designs
decorate their fronts.
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00:07:57,578 --> 00:08:00,512
It's a lavish display
of status,
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00:08:00,614 --> 00:08:05,283
A way for midas to show off
his wealth for all to see.
134
00:08:08,755 --> 00:08:11,656
Under the rule of midas,
the kingdom of phrygia
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00:08:11,758 --> 00:08:15,527
Is successful,
innovative, powerful.
136
00:08:17,231 --> 00:08:20,265
Phrygia features in
the greatest epic of the era.
137
00:08:22,202 --> 00:08:24,436
The kingdom is
an ally of troy
138
00:08:24,538 --> 00:08:25,604
In the trojan war.
139
00:08:27,107 --> 00:08:29,007
During the reign of midas,
gordion would have been
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00:08:29,109 --> 00:08:31,176
A truly dazzling city,
built to impress
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00:08:31,278 --> 00:08:33,378
Any diplomat
or tourists who came here.
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00:08:34,715 --> 00:08:36,982
Narrator: Can gordion's
extraordinary wealth be
143
00:08:37,084 --> 00:08:40,719
The origin of the story
of the golden touch?
144
00:08:40,821 --> 00:08:44,289
Do dozens of colossal mounds
outside the city walls
145
00:08:44,391 --> 00:08:47,826
Reveal more about the truth
behind the midas myth?
146
00:08:59,606 --> 00:09:01,640
Narrator:
Gordion, a wealthy city
147
00:09:01,742 --> 00:09:04,876
Ruled by king midas
3,000 years ago.
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00:09:08,048 --> 00:09:11,516
Gareth darbyshire has been
working at gordion for 20 years,
149
00:09:11,618 --> 00:09:13,652
Searching for
the evidence behind
150
00:09:13,754 --> 00:09:16,555
The myth of the man with
the golden touch.
151
00:09:16,657 --> 00:09:20,325
He investigates just outside
the city walls.
152
00:09:20,427 --> 00:09:25,263
Here, dozens of strange mounds
of earth seem to stand guard.
153
00:09:27,034 --> 00:09:30,368
Surrounding the city on
the high ground and along
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00:09:30,470 --> 00:09:35,307
Ancient routeways are over
120 of these mounds.
155
00:09:35,409 --> 00:09:38,109
They're obviously man-made
because of their shape.
156
00:09:40,914 --> 00:09:42,414
Narrator:
They are burial mounds,
157
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The tombs of the elite of
gordion society.
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00:09:48,589 --> 00:09:51,289
One mound,
visible for miles around,
159
00:09:51,391 --> 00:09:53,024
Dominates all the others.
160
00:09:53,126 --> 00:09:56,094
Darbyshire:
This monument is one of
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00:09:56,196 --> 00:09:58,029
The largest burial mounds
in the world.
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00:10:00,934 --> 00:10:02,634
It's one of
the most spectacular discoveries
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00:10:02,736 --> 00:10:04,603
Of the 20th century.
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00:10:04,671 --> 00:10:06,771
Narrator: The mound is built
by piling high
165
00:10:06,873 --> 00:10:09,474
Hundreds of thousands
of tons of earth.
166
00:10:12,279 --> 00:10:15,380
Experts estimate
it takes around 1,000 people
167
00:10:15,482 --> 00:10:17,282
A year and a half to build.
168
00:10:18,919 --> 00:10:23,288
The mound may conceal
important clues about midas,
169
00:10:23,390 --> 00:10:26,625
But excavating it presents
a major challenge.
170
00:10:28,762 --> 00:10:32,263
You can't simply just dig into
the side of it or on the top.
171
00:10:32,366 --> 00:10:34,032
You need to do it
very carefully.
172
00:10:34,134 --> 00:10:37,235
There's the risk of the entire
mound collapsing in on you.
173
00:10:37,371 --> 00:10:40,271
These kinds of excavations
can kill people.
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00:10:42,242 --> 00:10:43,908
Narrator:
There's another challenge.
175
00:10:44,011 --> 00:10:47,646
The tomb could be anywhere
inside the huge mound,
176
00:10:47,748 --> 00:10:51,783
A strategy to fool
ancient grave robbers.
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00:10:51,885 --> 00:10:54,486
For archaeologists,
it's like trying to
178
00:10:54,588 --> 00:10:56,688
Find a needle in a haystack.
179
00:10:56,790 --> 00:11:01,292
They turn to modern technology
for a solution.
180
00:11:01,395 --> 00:11:04,195
Darbyshire: We decided to get
an oil prospecting drill,
181
00:11:04,297 --> 00:11:07,899
Which is a very long drillbit,
from texas,
182
00:11:08,001 --> 00:11:11,036
Because that instrument
can reach straight from
183
00:11:11,138 --> 00:11:14,572
The top of the mound right
down to the bottom.
184
00:11:14,675 --> 00:11:18,076
Narrator: The drill bores dozens
of holes, probing for the tomb.
185
00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:23,081
On the 96th attempt,
it hits something solid.
186
00:11:24,384 --> 00:11:26,384
Drilling stops.
187
00:11:26,520 --> 00:11:29,287
Now they have their target,
and they start to dig.
188
00:11:30,957 --> 00:11:33,958
Local miners tunnel in
from the side.
189
00:11:34,061 --> 00:11:36,795
Excavating from the top
will destroy the mound.
190
00:11:39,066 --> 00:11:41,166
What they find is astonishing.
191
00:11:45,405 --> 00:11:47,305
Hidden beneath the mound,
192
00:11:47,407 --> 00:11:50,208
Under thousands
of tons of earth,
193
00:11:50,310 --> 00:11:54,145
Is a thick clay core
shaped like a dome.
194
00:11:57,050 --> 00:11:59,350
Digging through this layer
195
00:11:59,453 --> 00:12:02,120
Reveals a mysterious
wooden chamber.
196
00:12:04,191 --> 00:12:07,258
Inside, archaeologists come
face-to-face
197
00:12:07,360 --> 00:12:08,927
With the skeleton of a man.
198
00:12:10,897 --> 00:12:14,599
Around him, lavish grave goods
litter the floor.
199
00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:18,636
Who is this man, and why is
he surrounded by treasures?
200
00:12:21,775 --> 00:12:24,442
Can this be the tomb
of king midas?
201
00:12:28,081 --> 00:12:29,981
The tomb chamber
lies at the end
202
00:12:30,083 --> 00:12:32,517
Of the 100-foot-long
excavation tunnel.
203
00:12:35,188 --> 00:12:38,890
It's so fragile that
it's off limits to visitors.
204
00:12:42,763 --> 00:12:45,997
But gareth is given
rare access.
205
00:12:47,934 --> 00:12:51,269
The tomb is enclosed by
a barrier constructed of
206
00:12:51,371 --> 00:12:53,071
Juniper logs.
207
00:12:53,173 --> 00:12:55,640
Darbyshire: The reason
there are these enormous,
208
00:12:55,742 --> 00:12:59,244
Very hard juniper logs is
to protect the tomb
209
00:12:59,346 --> 00:13:02,747
And its contents
from robbing.
210
00:13:02,849 --> 00:13:07,919
This protection and the massive
scale of the mound,
211
00:13:09,222 --> 00:13:10,889
It's very similar to
the pyramids
212
00:13:10,991 --> 00:13:13,258
Of the egyptian kings
or pharaohs.
213
00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:16,127
[ vocalizing ]
214
00:13:16,229 --> 00:13:19,330
Narrator: Sealed inside
an airtight mound for nearly
215
00:13:19,432 --> 00:13:23,501
3,000 years, the tomb is
perfectly preserved.
216
00:13:23,603 --> 00:13:26,871
[ vocalizing ]
217
00:13:26,973 --> 00:13:30,074
But is it the right date
for midas?
218
00:13:32,179 --> 00:13:36,181
Archaeologists turn to tree
ring dating for an answer.
219
00:13:36,283 --> 00:13:38,416
If they can date
the wood in the tomb,
220
00:13:38,518 --> 00:13:42,687
It will provide vital evidence
of who this man is.
221
00:13:42,789 --> 00:13:45,824
Every year, a tree produces
a growth ring, a tree ring.
222
00:13:45,926 --> 00:13:49,027
If you still have the bark
preserved, as we do here with
223
00:13:49,129 --> 00:13:51,095
The juniper logs in
this tomb,
224
00:13:51,198 --> 00:13:54,499
Then you can calculate
the felling date,
225
00:13:54,601 --> 00:13:57,335
The date at which that tree
was cut down and killed.
226
00:13:58,538 --> 00:14:01,539
Taking several samples
from these juniper logs,
227
00:14:01,641 --> 00:14:04,843
We counted the tree rings,
and they all date
228
00:14:04,945 --> 00:14:06,177
To the same time.
229
00:14:07,414 --> 00:14:09,881
Narrator: The tests allow
the archaeologists to date
230
00:14:09,983 --> 00:14:11,516
The construction of the tomb
231
00:14:11,618 --> 00:14:14,619
To the year 740 b.C.,
232
00:14:14,721 --> 00:14:17,622
Making this the oldest
standing wooden structure
233
00:14:17,724 --> 00:14:18,756
In the world.
234
00:14:20,193 --> 00:14:23,795
But this date means
it cannot be midas.
235
00:14:23,897 --> 00:14:27,866
With the dating about 740 b.C.,
it's too early to be
236
00:14:27,968 --> 00:14:31,069
King midas -- we know
from a syrian record that
237
00:14:31,171 --> 00:14:35,607
Midas was still operational
in 709 b.C.
238
00:14:36,977 --> 00:14:39,878
So this tomb cannot
belong to midas.
239
00:14:42,282 --> 00:14:44,515
Narrator: King midas
succeeds to the throne
240
00:14:44,618 --> 00:14:46,484
After the tomb is sealed.
241
00:14:46,586 --> 00:14:49,787
He rules for another 40 years.
242
00:14:49,890 --> 00:14:53,658
So whose skeleton
is it in this tomb?
243
00:14:53,760 --> 00:14:55,727
Brian rose investigates.
244
00:14:57,764 --> 00:15:00,231
Experts use
the dead man's skull to
245
00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:03,701
Recreate his appearance
in plaster and clay.
246
00:15:03,803 --> 00:15:07,272
Brian thinks it can help
identify the man.
247
00:15:07,374 --> 00:15:09,974
Rose: This is
the reconstructed face of
248
00:15:10,076 --> 00:15:12,110
The man who was buried
in the tomb.
249
00:15:12,212 --> 00:15:14,012
We've analyzed the bones,
250
00:15:14,114 --> 00:15:16,948
And we've determined that
the man died between the ages of
251
00:15:17,050 --> 00:15:21,319
60 and 65, which is quite old
for the eighth century b.C.
252
00:15:23,323 --> 00:15:25,690
Narrator: On close examination,
brian discovers
253
00:15:25,792 --> 00:15:27,325
There's something unusual
254
00:15:27,427 --> 00:15:29,427
About the shape of
the man's skull.
255
00:15:31,498 --> 00:15:34,132
It's been
deliberately elongated,
256
00:15:34,234 --> 00:15:36,301
Probably when
he was an infant.
257
00:15:36,403 --> 00:15:40,204
Narrator: The gordion elite bind
the heads of their babies so
258
00:15:40,307 --> 00:15:44,275
That the bone permanently
hardens into an unusual shape.
259
00:15:44,377 --> 00:15:47,412
The man's
oddly-shaped skull
260
00:15:47,514 --> 00:15:50,882
And the enormous size
of his burial mound
261
00:15:50,984 --> 00:15:53,251
Enables brian
to identify the body.
262
00:15:55,088 --> 00:15:59,123
Our conclusion is that it's
likely the father of midas,
263
00:15:59,225 --> 00:16:01,459
A man whose name was gordias.
264
00:16:03,129 --> 00:16:06,331
Narrator: Gordias rules in
the mid-eighth century b.C.
265
00:16:06,433 --> 00:16:09,067
His story also enters
into legend.
266
00:16:12,539 --> 00:16:15,606
When an earlier ruler dies
without an heir,
267
00:16:17,711 --> 00:16:19,777
The people
consult the oracle,
268
00:16:22,816 --> 00:16:26,184
Who declares that
the next man driving
269
00:16:26,286 --> 00:16:31,923
An ox cart into the city
should be made king.
270
00:16:35,095 --> 00:16:36,794
At that moment,
271
00:16:36,896 --> 00:16:40,732
A peasant steers his ox cart
through the gates.
272
00:16:40,834 --> 00:16:41,966
He is gordias.
273
00:16:45,372 --> 00:16:48,639
The people choose him
as their king,
274
00:16:48,742 --> 00:16:52,777
And in his honor, they rename
their city gordion.
275
00:16:54,481 --> 00:16:56,681
When gordias died, his son,
midas, would have
276
00:16:56,783 --> 00:16:58,850
Become king,
and even though midas
277
00:16:58,952 --> 00:17:01,552
Wasn't buried in the tomb,
278
00:17:01,654 --> 00:17:05,390
It is very much a midas mound,
because it was the first major
279
00:17:05,492 --> 00:17:08,159
Building project of his reign.
280
00:17:08,261 --> 00:17:11,396
Narrator:
So far, only 46
281
00:17:11,498 --> 00:17:13,765
Of the 125 burial mounds
282
00:17:13,867 --> 00:17:15,600
In gordion have
been excavated.
283
00:17:17,003 --> 00:17:20,238
Midas's final resting place
remains to be discovered.
284
00:17:23,276 --> 00:17:25,209
Do further clues
to the legend of
285
00:17:25,311 --> 00:17:28,980
King midas still lie
in his father's tomb?
286
00:17:29,082 --> 00:17:32,950
Can the remains of
a burial shroud unearthed
287
00:17:33,053 --> 00:17:36,521
With his body help separate
fact from fiction?
288
00:17:47,567 --> 00:17:49,233
Narrator: Gordion --
289
00:17:49,335 --> 00:17:51,903
Once the capital of
the kingdom of
290
00:17:52,005 --> 00:17:55,373
Phrygia and the home of
king midas.
291
00:17:55,475 --> 00:17:58,276
Archaeologists want to know if
292
00:17:58,378 --> 00:18:02,113
The myth of midas's golden touch
is grounded in truth.
293
00:18:02,215 --> 00:18:07,418
♪♪
294
00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:09,454
Answers may lie hidden in
295
00:18:09,556 --> 00:18:13,524
The burial mound of
midas's father, gordias.
296
00:18:13,626 --> 00:18:16,027
Locked in the tomb is
a treasure trove
297
00:18:16,129 --> 00:18:18,196
Of burial goods that,
298
00:18:18,298 --> 00:18:20,731
When polished,
shine like gold.
299
00:18:24,104 --> 00:18:26,471
Over 150 exquisite objects
300
00:18:26,573 --> 00:18:28,873
Surround the king's body,
301
00:18:28,975 --> 00:18:32,610
And right next to him are
small pieces of fabric,
302
00:18:32,712 --> 00:18:34,545
The fragments
of a burial shroud
303
00:18:35,915 --> 00:18:39,016
That, in its prime, glitters
with golden threads.
304
00:18:42,188 --> 00:18:44,522
What can these treasures
tell us about
305
00:18:44,624 --> 00:18:48,426
The origin of the story
of midas's golden touch?
306
00:18:51,965 --> 00:18:54,132
Experts face
a daunting challenge
307
00:18:54,234 --> 00:18:57,702
Analyzing what little remains
of the burial shroud.
308
00:18:58,972 --> 00:19:00,972
Darbyshire: Just as the body
in the burial mound
309
00:19:01,074 --> 00:19:03,441
Had decayed down to just
the skeleton,
310
00:19:03,543 --> 00:19:06,911
It turns out that the textile
itself had decayed,
311
00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:09,780
And so what our scientific
team analyzed
312
00:19:09,883 --> 00:19:13,151
Wasn't the textile itself,
it was the hardened coating.
313
00:19:14,821 --> 00:19:17,388
Narrator: Tests on this coating
reveal the shroud
314
00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:20,057
Is colored by a mineral
called goethite.
315
00:19:22,028 --> 00:19:23,928
Today, it's used to
create yellow
316
00:19:24,030 --> 00:19:26,364
Paint colors like
ochre and sienna.
317
00:19:29,302 --> 00:19:30,701
Darbyshire:
So this is goethite.
318
00:19:30,803 --> 00:19:32,637
It's an iron oxide,
and you can see
319
00:19:32,739 --> 00:19:36,007
That it has this lovely
golden-yellow color.
320
00:19:36,109 --> 00:19:39,343
We know from analysis of
the textiles that the bedding
321
00:19:39,445 --> 00:19:42,013
And probably the shroud on
the king's body
322
00:19:42,115 --> 00:19:44,715
Was coated with this pigment.
323
00:19:44,817 --> 00:19:48,152
Narrator: Gareth believes that
the manufacture of pigment from
324
00:19:48,254 --> 00:19:51,122
This raw iron oxide
is a vital clue
325
00:19:51,224 --> 00:19:54,125
To help explain the origin
of the golden touch.
326
00:19:57,830 --> 00:20:02,066
You heat the ore with formic
acid and urea to
327
00:20:02,168 --> 00:20:04,635
A temperature of about
90 degrees celsius,
328
00:20:04,737 --> 00:20:06,871
And that creates your pigment.
329
00:20:06,973 --> 00:20:10,107
But even just raw, it's still
very hard to get it off
330
00:20:10,210 --> 00:20:12,510
My hands --
it's still not going.
331
00:20:13,880 --> 00:20:15,112
Wow.
332
00:20:15,215 --> 00:20:18,249
It's possible, then, that you
could recognize those who are
333
00:20:18,351 --> 00:20:20,084
Involved in the manufacture of
334
00:20:20,186 --> 00:20:22,687
The high-status cloth of
the high-status clothing,
335
00:20:22,789 --> 00:20:24,989
Because they're walking around
with yellow hands,
336
00:20:25,091 --> 00:20:27,792
And perhaps it is this
that gave rise
337
00:20:27,894 --> 00:20:30,595
To the legend of
the golden touch.
338
00:20:32,765 --> 00:20:34,865
Narrator: It's one explanation
for the myth.
339
00:20:37,470 --> 00:20:39,804
Darbyshire: This wonderful
golden yellow color --
340
00:20:39,906 --> 00:20:43,207
You can imagine the phrygian
royalty and nobles,
341
00:20:43,309 --> 00:20:46,210
The elite wearing
these golden-colored garments.
342
00:20:46,312 --> 00:20:48,312
Narrator:
They dress richly
343
00:20:48,414 --> 00:20:51,449
In decorative weaving
and embroidery.
344
00:20:51,551 --> 00:20:53,851
The evidence from
ancient texts is
345
00:20:53,953 --> 00:20:57,421
That the phrygians invent
both techniques.
346
00:20:57,523 --> 00:20:59,390
Darbyshire: We're told this
by the roman writer,
347
00:20:59,492 --> 00:21:00,791
Pliny the elder,
348
00:21:00,893 --> 00:21:04,929
And also the latin word for
embroiderer is phrygio.
349
00:21:07,100 --> 00:21:08,833
Narrator:
King midas and his courtiers
350
00:21:08,935 --> 00:21:10,268
Are enviably rich,
351
00:21:12,572 --> 00:21:14,005
And the funeral of the king is
352
00:21:14,107 --> 00:21:16,207
When that wealth
is most on show.
353
00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:23,981
When the king dies, he lies
in state for all to see,
354
00:21:25,685 --> 00:21:27,585
Covered in his golden shroud.
355
00:21:27,687 --> 00:21:30,855
The city's elite,
356
00:21:30,923 --> 00:21:33,391
Colorfully
and extravagantly dressed,
357
00:21:33,493 --> 00:21:36,193
Gather for a gala
funerary banquet.
358
00:21:36,296 --> 00:21:38,696
They dine on spicy goat stew
359
00:21:38,798 --> 00:21:42,266
And drink barley beer
and honey mead.
360
00:21:42,368 --> 00:21:44,735
Then the king
and the remains of
361
00:21:44,837 --> 00:21:48,706
The feast are carefully laid
out inside the wooden tomb.
362
00:21:48,808 --> 00:21:50,941
The tomb is sealed
and the body left
363
00:21:51,044 --> 00:21:52,476
To rest for eternity.
364
00:21:53,946 --> 00:21:56,881
Gordion's funeral feasts
and the city itself
365
00:21:56,983 --> 00:21:59,583
Are ablaze
with gold and color.
366
00:21:59,686 --> 00:22:02,253
Darbyshire: Of course,
midas didn't really
367
00:22:02,355 --> 00:22:04,455
Turn things to gold
by touching them,
368
00:22:04,557 --> 00:22:08,326
But perhaps this story of
the golden touch is really
369
00:22:08,428 --> 00:22:12,730
A metaphor for the fabulous
wealth of the phrygian kings.
370
00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:15,533
Narrator:
But could the story be about
371
00:22:15,635 --> 00:22:18,869
More than just gold
and untold riches?
372
00:22:18,971 --> 00:22:22,473
Can strange discoveries
beneath the city
373
00:22:22,575 --> 00:22:25,676
Reveal that it's about power
and politics, too?
374
00:22:37,457 --> 00:22:39,090
Narrator: Gordion,
375
00:22:39,192 --> 00:22:42,460
Once a dazzling city
of golden color.
376
00:22:42,562 --> 00:22:45,429
Now researchers want to know
if its king,
377
00:22:45,531 --> 00:22:48,733
Midas, is as greedy
as the story says.
378
00:22:48,835 --> 00:22:51,402
Mythology depicts midas
379
00:22:51,504 --> 00:22:57,141
As a -- kind of a nasty,
scary, unpleasant person.
380
00:22:57,243 --> 00:22:59,844
The question is,
was he really like that?
381
00:23:02,382 --> 00:23:05,416
Narrator: What is it about midas
that inspires this myth?
382
00:23:06,886 --> 00:23:09,320
Could the story conceal
a deeper truth
383
00:23:09,422 --> 00:23:11,021
About the king
and his rule?
384
00:23:14,694 --> 00:23:17,261
Hidden beneath the ruins of
midas's city
385
00:23:18,865 --> 00:23:22,433
Lie the remains of another
that is decades older.
386
00:23:22,535 --> 00:23:26,637
Its layout is almost a carbon
copy of the city above.
387
00:23:26,739 --> 00:23:31,575
In between the two lies
a 15-foot-thick layer of clay.
388
00:23:31,677 --> 00:23:35,713
But discoveries in this layer
puzzle archaeologists.
389
00:23:35,815 --> 00:23:39,250
Fragments of pottery,
which date to the bronze age,
390
00:23:39,352 --> 00:23:42,286
Hundreds of years older
than either city.
391
00:23:42,388 --> 00:23:44,388
Why are these ancient shards
392
00:23:44,490 --> 00:23:46,991
Sandwiched between
the ruined cities?
393
00:23:50,263 --> 00:23:52,430
And what can they reveal
about midas
394
00:23:52,532 --> 00:23:54,265
And the violent world
he lives in?
395
00:23:56,836 --> 00:23:59,870
Elif denel has been
studying the ancient
396
00:23:59,972 --> 00:24:02,139
History of the region
for two decades.
397
00:24:04,010 --> 00:24:06,444
She believes the pottery
belongs to
398
00:24:06,546 --> 00:24:07,778
A much earlier people,
399
00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:11,615
The hittites, who rule
the area centuries before.
400
00:24:11,717 --> 00:24:14,418
They couldn't understand
why the hittite pottery,
401
00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:17,822
Which is several hundred years
earlier than the ninth century
402
00:24:17,924 --> 00:24:20,291
City, over which this
was constructed,
403
00:24:20,393 --> 00:24:21,792
How did it get there?
404
00:24:21,894 --> 00:24:24,795
So archaeologists were like,
405
00:24:24,897 --> 00:24:27,364
Wow, what's going on?
406
00:24:27,467 --> 00:24:30,367
Narrator: Elif searches for
answers in the ruins of gordion.
407
00:24:32,071 --> 00:24:34,438
Solving the mystery
may shed more light on
408
00:24:34,540 --> 00:24:37,475
The legend of midas
and his golden touch.
409
00:24:39,579 --> 00:24:41,912
A destruction layer
provides a clue,
410
00:24:45,251 --> 00:24:49,153
The mark of an enormous
disaster that befalls the city.
411
00:24:49,255 --> 00:24:53,524
We found evidence for
a huge, massive fire.
412
00:24:53,626 --> 00:24:59,063
There was burnt bricks,
evidence of burnt beams,
413
00:24:59,165 --> 00:25:02,933
Roofs collapsed,
burnt pottery.
414
00:25:04,303 --> 00:25:06,203
Narrator:
In around 800 b.C.,
415
00:25:06,305 --> 00:25:08,739
A devastating fire rips
through gordion.
416
00:25:10,510 --> 00:25:12,276
Residents flee
for their lives,
417
00:25:12,378 --> 00:25:16,113
Abandoning their homes
and belongings.
418
00:25:19,485 --> 00:25:21,619
At first,
archaeologists believe
419
00:25:21,721 --> 00:25:24,522
It's caused by an enemy army
attacking gordion.
420
00:25:25,892 --> 00:25:26,957
They, interestingly,
421
00:25:27,059 --> 00:25:29,793
Didn't find
any deceased human beings,
422
00:25:29,896 --> 00:25:32,596
Any remains of people.
423
00:25:32,698 --> 00:25:35,299
Narrator: There's no proof
of fighting in the area.
424
00:25:36,869 --> 00:25:40,337
We know that this wasn't
caused by any conflict now,
425
00:25:40,439 --> 00:25:42,873
Because if there was any
conflict, we would have
426
00:25:42,975 --> 00:25:46,277
Evidence of military activity.
427
00:25:46,379 --> 00:25:50,281
But we don't have any -- any
evidence for that in this area.
428
00:25:50,383 --> 00:25:54,485
Narrator: But in a world of
constant warfare, the city
429
00:25:54,587 --> 00:25:58,489
And its defensive walls
must be rebuilt, and quickly.
430
00:26:00,459 --> 00:26:03,661
The hasty rebuild explains
the mystery pottery.
431
00:26:05,131 --> 00:26:08,332
It was most probably
that the workers brought
432
00:26:08,401 --> 00:26:11,835
The clay from an area where
there were remains of
433
00:26:11,938 --> 00:26:14,405
Hittite people,
hittite settlements.
434
00:26:14,507 --> 00:26:17,575
They scooped up the clay
and brought it here
435
00:26:17,677 --> 00:26:21,779
And dumped it on top of
the ninth-century settlement.
436
00:26:21,881 --> 00:26:24,615
Narrator: As a result,
gordion stands nearly
437
00:26:24,717 --> 00:26:27,217
20 feet higher
than before the fire.
438
00:26:30,389 --> 00:26:32,389
Denel: They did not just
rebuild the city.
439
00:26:32,491 --> 00:26:35,359
They raised the whole city
on top of
440
00:26:35,461 --> 00:26:38,429
A platform of
4 to 5 meters high.
441
00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:44,101
Whoever came to the city
could probably
442
00:26:44,203 --> 00:26:48,872
See the city from kilometers,
miles away.
443
00:26:48,975 --> 00:26:51,308
Narrator: Gordion is now
an immense citadel.
444
00:26:53,679 --> 00:26:55,112
Its defenses are among
445
00:26:55,214 --> 00:26:57,281
The most formidable
in the ancient world.
446
00:27:00,152 --> 00:27:01,952
But when midas takes
the throne,
447
00:27:02,054 --> 00:27:03,454
The city is under threat.
448
00:27:06,459 --> 00:27:09,193
A rival power threatens
midas's kingdom.
449
00:27:13,332 --> 00:27:16,600
To survive,
he needs a golden touch.
450
00:27:22,308 --> 00:27:24,575
To fight the mighty
assyrian empire
451
00:27:24,677 --> 00:27:28,946
To his east, midas forms
an alliance with local kings.
452
00:27:31,884 --> 00:27:35,786
But then he signs a peace
treaty with the assyrian ruler
453
00:27:35,888 --> 00:27:38,522
When he becomes
too powerful to oppose.
454
00:27:42,895 --> 00:27:44,995
He reaches out
to the greek kingdoms
455
00:27:45,097 --> 00:27:48,265
In the west and marries
a greek princess,
456
00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:56,240
An alliance that gives
midas's landlocked
457
00:27:56,342 --> 00:27:58,842
Kingdom invaluable access
to the sea.
458
00:27:58,944 --> 00:28:04,948
♪♪
459
00:28:05,051 --> 00:28:08,185
Elif believes the myth is
a metaphor for midas's
460
00:28:08,287 --> 00:28:11,755
Diplomatic skills and his
ability to defend his city.
461
00:28:14,827 --> 00:28:19,029
Denel: If we look at the history
of king midas,
462
00:28:19,131 --> 00:28:22,366
He probably had the golden
touch, because he was building
463
00:28:22,468 --> 00:28:24,201
Up this monumental,
464
00:28:24,303 --> 00:28:27,504
Substantial, amazing city.
465
00:28:27,606 --> 00:28:29,073
Narrator:
Gordion reaches the height of
466
00:28:29,175 --> 00:28:31,842
Its power and prestige
under midas.
467
00:28:33,612 --> 00:28:37,448
Legend says he washes away
the golden touch in the river.
468
00:28:39,919 --> 00:28:42,820
Could a discovery in
the citadel at gordion show
469
00:28:42,922 --> 00:28:45,689
This part of the myth
is also based in truth?
470
00:28:57,169 --> 00:28:58,936
Narrator:
King midas's golden touch
471
00:28:59,038 --> 00:29:01,638
May be a metaphor for
the wealth of gordion
472
00:29:01,741 --> 00:29:03,540
And his diplomatic skills.
473
00:29:06,812 --> 00:29:10,247
But one final part of the myth
needs more examination.
474
00:29:13,419 --> 00:29:16,520
Grieving because he has turned
his daughter to gold,
475
00:29:18,023 --> 00:29:21,759
Midas begs dionysus to relieve
him of the golden curse.
476
00:29:24,463 --> 00:29:28,031
The god tells him to wash
in the river pactolus,
477
00:29:28,134 --> 00:29:31,735
And the river runs with gold
as the wish flows away.
478
00:29:36,509 --> 00:29:39,576
Clues found in gordion
may shine a new light
479
00:29:39,678 --> 00:29:41,712
On this final piece of
the legend.
480
00:29:44,183 --> 00:29:47,451
Kerem oguz is
an expert in gold.
481
00:29:50,389 --> 00:29:52,256
He wants to see if the river
482
00:29:52,358 --> 00:29:54,825
Pactolus really does
flow with gold
483
00:29:54,927 --> 00:29:56,226
As the myth says.
484
00:29:58,397 --> 00:30:00,931
If the legend is true,
midas washed his hands
485
00:30:01,033 --> 00:30:02,132
Into this river,
486
00:30:02,201 --> 00:30:04,201
Then there should be some gold
in this water.
487
00:30:06,639 --> 00:30:08,872
Narrator: Kerem needs
to collect river sediment
488
00:30:09,008 --> 00:30:12,442
And sift it to look
for tiny gold flakes.
489
00:30:12,545 --> 00:30:15,212
In the time of king midas,
to retrieve gold,
490
00:30:15,314 --> 00:30:16,914
They used sheepskins.
491
00:30:17,016 --> 00:30:19,983
They put the sheepskin
into the river.
492
00:30:21,053 --> 00:30:25,422
Narrator: The idea is
to trap any grains
493
00:30:25,524 --> 00:30:27,291
Of gold that flow
down the river.
494
00:30:30,462 --> 00:30:32,696
After a few months,
the sheepskin is taken
495
00:30:32,798 --> 00:30:33,997
Out of the water.
496
00:30:35,734 --> 00:30:38,202
Oguz: They used to put
the sheepskin in the sun,
497
00:30:38,304 --> 00:30:43,340
Let it dry, and comb it and
shake it to get the gold out.
498
00:30:45,277 --> 00:30:48,245
Narrator: There's no pure gold
in the sheepskin today,
499
00:30:50,216 --> 00:30:53,283
But gold can be found
in a different form.
500
00:30:54,820 --> 00:30:57,087
The gold actually is found
501
00:30:57,189 --> 00:31:00,557
In two different combinations
in nature.
502
00:31:00,659 --> 00:31:05,696
One is pure gold,
and one is called electrum.
503
00:31:05,798 --> 00:31:08,465
Narrator: Electrum is
a naturally occurring alloy
504
00:31:08,567 --> 00:31:09,900
Of gold and silver,
505
00:31:10,002 --> 00:31:12,903
Known as white gold
to the ancient greeks.
506
00:31:17,476 --> 00:31:19,476
Can electrum explain
the myth of
507
00:31:19,578 --> 00:31:22,379
Midas ridding himself of
the golden touch?
508
00:31:22,481 --> 00:31:28,151
♪♪
509
00:31:28,254 --> 00:31:31,989
Answers may lie
200 miles from gordion
510
00:31:32,091 --> 00:31:35,425
In a city through which
the river pactolus flows,
511
00:31:37,363 --> 00:31:39,463
Sardis.
512
00:31:39,565 --> 00:31:41,465
Cahill: Sardis one of
the biggest cities in
513
00:31:41,567 --> 00:31:42,499
The ancient world.
514
00:31:42,601 --> 00:31:45,235
It was famous in greece,
for instance,
515
00:31:45,337 --> 00:31:47,537
As the place where you would
go to buy perfumes
516
00:31:47,640 --> 00:31:50,240
And exotic textiles.
517
00:31:51,510 --> 00:31:53,944
Narrator: Nick cahill
has studied sardis,
518
00:31:54,046 --> 00:31:57,547
The capital of the kingdom of
lydia, for over 40 years.
519
00:32:00,653 --> 00:32:04,221
Nick believes a world-changing
technology develops here
520
00:32:04,323 --> 00:32:07,324
That explains the final part
of the midas myth.
521
00:32:12,231 --> 00:32:16,033
He uncovers evidence in this
unusual building in sardis.
522
00:32:17,369 --> 00:32:20,604
When this was excavated,
we found furnaces,
523
00:32:20,706 --> 00:32:23,407
And in those furnaces
were, uh,
524
00:32:23,509 --> 00:32:25,108
Pieces of cooking pots.
525
00:32:26,545 --> 00:32:29,279
Narrator: Ancient people use
carefully measured amounts of
526
00:32:29,381 --> 00:32:32,149
Precious metals to pay for
goods and services.
527
00:32:35,554 --> 00:32:37,754
But nick thinks
that using electrum
528
00:32:37,856 --> 00:32:39,489
Gives the lydians a problem.
529
00:32:41,660 --> 00:32:42,626
Cahill:
If you're a lydian trader,
530
00:32:42,728 --> 00:32:45,128
It's hard to use
this silver-rich gold.
531
00:32:45,230 --> 00:32:47,831
You might get ripped off,
because you don't know how much
532
00:32:47,933 --> 00:32:49,933
Gold and how much silver
there is in the metal
533
00:32:50,035 --> 00:32:51,568
You're using to trade
for your sheep.
534
00:32:52,938 --> 00:32:55,706
Narrator: A discovery
in this building gives clues
535
00:32:55,808 --> 00:32:57,641
To how the lydians
solve the problem.
536
00:32:57,743 --> 00:33:01,144
We found traces of gold foil
and other equipment
537
00:33:01,246 --> 00:33:02,679
That makes us think
that this area
538
00:33:02,781 --> 00:33:05,983
Was a workshop
for separating electrum into
539
00:33:06,085 --> 00:33:07,317
Pure gold and pure silver.
540
00:33:09,788 --> 00:33:12,389
Narrator: Lydian metal workers
take raw electrum
541
00:33:12,491 --> 00:33:15,525
And heat it to separate it
into gold and silver.
542
00:33:17,496 --> 00:33:19,262
And from this ancient alchemy,
543
00:33:19,365 --> 00:33:23,467
They create the first known
coins in the western world.
544
00:33:23,569 --> 00:33:26,470
Cahill: This is a replica
of a lydian coin.
545
00:33:26,572 --> 00:33:29,639
It's got a design stamped
on the front of it.
546
00:33:29,742 --> 00:33:32,142
And on the back, it's got
a couple of punches.
547
00:33:32,244 --> 00:33:36,146
It's got about 55% gold
and 45% silver,
548
00:33:36,248 --> 00:33:41,084
And that stamp on it
guarantees to the user
549
00:33:41,186 --> 00:33:42,986
That it has this proportion
550
00:33:43,088 --> 00:33:46,123
Of gold and has
a certain value you can
551
00:33:46,225 --> 00:33:47,491
Guarantee by the state.
552
00:33:49,661 --> 00:33:52,996
Narrator: The invention of
coinage with a standard purity
553
00:33:53,098 --> 00:33:56,166
Of gold revolutionizes
how we do business.
554
00:33:56,268 --> 00:34:00,470
Lydian people can rely on
these hallmarked gold coins,
555
00:34:00,572 --> 00:34:02,606
And so their economy booms.
556
00:34:03,909 --> 00:34:05,876
The invention of coinage
and currency
557
00:34:05,978 --> 00:34:08,712
Makes the lydians
and their king rich.
558
00:34:10,082 --> 00:34:12,649
You might have heard
the expression, rich as croesus,
559
00:34:12,751 --> 00:34:15,519
And croesus was the king
of lydia and becomes synonymous
560
00:34:15,621 --> 00:34:16,720
With just fabulous wealth.
561
00:34:18,290 --> 00:34:21,324
Narrator: Another spectacular
discovery in gordion,
562
00:34:21,427 --> 00:34:23,026
Midas's city,
563
00:34:24,596 --> 00:34:27,497
Reveals the impact of
this invention of money.
564
00:34:30,969 --> 00:34:35,539
Archaeologists unearth
a horde of 45 gold coins.
565
00:34:35,641 --> 00:34:38,275
Their telltale design,
566
00:34:38,377 --> 00:34:41,478
A lion's head,
reveals they are lydian.
567
00:34:43,549 --> 00:34:45,682
Can these coins shed light on
568
00:34:45,784 --> 00:34:47,784
The final part
of the midas myth?
569
00:34:52,458 --> 00:34:56,760
The coins are evidence that
the lydians now control gordion.
570
00:34:56,862 --> 00:35:01,331
Cahill: We see the rise of lydia
and a new dynasty of kings.
571
00:35:03,402 --> 00:35:06,803
This is what allows them to
conquer western turkey
572
00:35:06,905 --> 00:35:10,307
And also gordion, where we find
those lydian coins.
573
00:35:10,409 --> 00:35:13,176
Narrator: Nick believes
the story of midas washing away
574
00:35:13,278 --> 00:35:15,312
The golden touch
is really that
575
00:35:15,414 --> 00:35:19,483
Of wealth draining away
from gordion to sardis.
576
00:35:19,585 --> 00:35:23,487
Cahill: We have this myth that
midas came to rid himself of
577
00:35:23,589 --> 00:35:25,522
The golden touch,
and that he washed
578
00:35:25,624 --> 00:35:27,324
The golden touch
into the river,
579
00:35:27,426 --> 00:35:29,493
Which from then on
ran with gold,
580
00:35:29,595 --> 00:35:30,894
And this might be
something like
581
00:35:30,996 --> 00:35:32,729
A metaphor for the transfer
of power
582
00:35:32,831 --> 00:35:35,632
From gordion to sardis.
583
00:35:35,734 --> 00:35:39,536
Narrator: People once believed
the story of midas to be a myth.
584
00:35:39,638 --> 00:35:42,005
Now, new archaeological
evidence shows
585
00:35:42,107 --> 00:35:44,674
That much of it
is grounded in fact.
586
00:35:44,776 --> 00:35:47,777
Can investigators
throw light on another
587
00:35:47,880 --> 00:35:49,346
Ancient myth,
588
00:35:49,448 --> 00:35:52,048
The legend of
the gordian knot?
589
00:35:52,151 --> 00:35:55,552
And can it reveal the fate of
midas's capital city?
590
00:36:06,865 --> 00:36:09,166
Narrator:
The ancient city of gordion --
591
00:36:09,268 --> 00:36:10,700
3,000 years ago,
592
00:36:10,802 --> 00:36:13,036
This is the home of
king midas.
593
00:36:14,473 --> 00:36:17,240
It is a region plagued
by constant war,
594
00:36:17,342 --> 00:36:20,844
Fought over by powerful kings
and mighty empires.
595
00:36:23,282 --> 00:36:26,482
Now investigators want to know
what happens to gordion
596
00:36:26,552 --> 00:36:27,584
After midas.
597
00:36:30,289 --> 00:36:32,322
Scattered among
the ruins of gordion,
598
00:36:32,424 --> 00:36:36,326
Archaeologists discover
dozens of bronze arrowheads.
599
00:36:36,428 --> 00:36:40,063
Some of them are embedded
in the walls,
600
00:36:40,165 --> 00:36:42,865
And inside the fortress,
601
00:36:42,935 --> 00:36:45,535
The skeletons of soldiers.
602
00:36:45,637 --> 00:36:48,305
Is this evidence of
gordion's destruction?
603
00:36:53,745 --> 00:36:56,580
Brian rose returns
to gordion to find out.
604
00:36:58,250 --> 00:37:00,817
A huge construction by
the city walls may
605
00:37:00,919 --> 00:37:02,619
Provide answers.
606
00:37:02,721 --> 00:37:05,855
In addition to the many
arrowheads and skeletons of
607
00:37:05,958 --> 00:37:09,492
Soldiers that were found in
the excavations of the fort,
608
00:37:09,595 --> 00:37:13,763
We have a giant siege mound
leading up into the fort.
609
00:37:16,668 --> 00:37:20,437
Narrator: A siege mound or ramp
is built by ancient armies
610
00:37:20,539 --> 00:37:24,674
So they can storm their
enemies' city walls.
611
00:37:24,776 --> 00:37:27,644
We have to remember that
the fort that you see
612
00:37:27,746 --> 00:37:30,714
Behind me was originally
positioned on
613
00:37:30,816 --> 00:37:32,983
A 12-meter-high platform.
614
00:37:33,085 --> 00:37:35,719
Then you have to restore four
stories above that.
615
00:37:35,821 --> 00:37:37,487
In order to destroy
616
00:37:37,589 --> 00:37:40,857
A fort this high and this
monumental, an enormous
617
00:37:40,959 --> 00:37:42,892
Siege mound would have
been necessary.
618
00:37:45,063 --> 00:37:48,565
Narrator: The mound is about
150 yards in length.
619
00:37:48,667 --> 00:37:52,369
It's built of stones and logs
and topped with clay.
620
00:37:56,642 --> 00:37:58,174
Brian wants to know who are
621
00:37:58,277 --> 00:38:00,644
The powerful mystery attackers
building it,
622
00:38:03,815 --> 00:38:05,548
And if their identity
can reveal
623
00:38:05,651 --> 00:38:09,419
The fate of midas's one-time
capital, gordion.
624
00:38:09,521 --> 00:38:14,691
♪♪
625
00:38:14,793 --> 00:38:16,092
Rose: When we studied
the arrowheads,
626
00:38:16,194 --> 00:38:18,295
We found that they were of
a distinctive design,
627
00:38:18,397 --> 00:38:20,163
A distinctive type.
628
00:38:20,265 --> 00:38:23,266
We can associate them
with the persians,
629
00:38:23,368 --> 00:38:26,236
And we know that the persians
swept through this area in
630
00:38:26,338 --> 00:38:29,906
The middle of the sixth century
b.C., building siege ramps to
631
00:38:30,008 --> 00:38:32,208
Destroy the cities
that stood in their path.
632
00:38:35,280 --> 00:38:36,980
Narrator:
The persian empire is one of
633
00:38:37,082 --> 00:38:38,982
The most powerful in
the ancient world.
634
00:38:40,452 --> 00:38:44,220
In the sixth century b.C.,
under cyrus the great,
635
00:38:44,323 --> 00:38:47,824
Its army sweeps across central
and western asia,
636
00:38:47,926 --> 00:38:49,492
Taking everything in its path.
637
00:38:53,965 --> 00:38:55,465
Gordion,
638
00:38:55,567 --> 00:38:58,768
Once king midas's
golden city, falls.
639
00:39:03,508 --> 00:39:07,310
Yet gordion's story doesn't end
with the persian conquest.
640
00:39:11,316 --> 00:39:15,985
200 years after that,
another army attacks the city.
641
00:39:16,088 --> 00:39:17,954
This army is greek.
642
00:39:18,056 --> 00:39:22,192
It's led by one of the most
famous warriors in history,
643
00:39:22,294 --> 00:39:25,028
Alexander the great.
644
00:39:25,130 --> 00:39:27,464
It will be alexander
who writes
645
00:39:27,566 --> 00:39:29,466
The final chapter
in this story.
646
00:39:31,870 --> 00:39:34,304
When midas's father,
gordias, is crowned,
647
00:39:34,406 --> 00:39:37,574
His ox cart is placed
in a temple
648
00:39:37,676 --> 00:39:39,676
And tied with
a complicated knot.
649
00:39:43,548 --> 00:39:46,049
It's said
that whoever unties it
650
00:39:46,151 --> 00:39:48,084
Will rule asia.
651
00:39:50,455 --> 00:39:53,690
Many come to try,
but all fail.
652
00:39:53,792 --> 00:39:58,161
Then, in the third
century b.C.,
653
00:39:58,263 --> 00:40:00,263
Alexander arrives in the city,
654
00:40:00,365 --> 00:40:02,766
Intent on conquering
the persian empire.
655
00:40:06,338 --> 00:40:08,605
Faced with gordian's knot,
656
00:40:08,707 --> 00:40:11,808
Alexander simply draws
his sword
657
00:40:11,910 --> 00:40:13,276
And cuts right through it.
658
00:40:15,414 --> 00:40:18,081
He could not unravel it,
so he took out his sword
659
00:40:18,183 --> 00:40:19,282
And sliced through it,
660
00:40:19,384 --> 00:40:21,818
Thereby giving rise to
the expression cutting
661
00:40:21,920 --> 00:40:23,787
The gordian knot,
finding a fast
662
00:40:23,889 --> 00:40:26,656
And efficient solution
to an intractable problem.
663
00:40:28,026 --> 00:40:31,728
Narrator: Alexander goes on to
conquer vast swaths of asia,
664
00:40:31,830 --> 00:40:33,830
Just as the prophecy foretold.
665
00:40:36,601 --> 00:40:37,801
People often ask if the story
666
00:40:37,903 --> 00:40:39,569
Of the gordian knot could
be true.
667
00:40:39,671 --> 00:40:42,639
It's told by a number of
ancient greek historians.
668
00:40:42,741 --> 00:40:44,674
The stories are
more or less identical,
669
00:40:44,776 --> 00:40:48,244
So we have no reason to doubt
that alexander came here,
670
00:40:48,346 --> 00:40:49,612
Found a gordian knot,
671
00:40:49,714 --> 00:40:52,749
Was intent on fulfilling the
prophecy, and cut through it.
672
00:40:55,887 --> 00:40:59,322
Narrator: Today, here in turkey,
archaeologists uncover
673
00:40:59,424 --> 00:41:00,757
New evidence that brings
674
00:41:00,859 --> 00:41:02,892
The legends of
the past to light.
675
00:41:05,363 --> 00:41:08,198
King midas,
a ruler who wishes for
676
00:41:08,300 --> 00:41:11,201
Everything he touches
to turn to gold.
677
00:41:11,303 --> 00:41:14,637
Now experts have found
his capital city,
678
00:41:14,739 --> 00:41:17,974
The huge tomb he builds
for his father,
679
00:41:18,076 --> 00:41:20,143
And evidence of
his vast wealth.
680
00:41:22,414 --> 00:41:24,948
The story of midas
is more than a myth.
681
00:41:26,418 --> 00:41:30,653
It's based on the true story
of a king with a golden touch.
682
00:41:30,755 --> 00:41:35,892
♪♪
683
00:41:35,994 --> 00:41:45,802
♪♪
684
00:41:45,937 --> 00:41:55,812
♪♪
685
00:41:55,914 --> 00:42:00,950
♪♪
61515
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