Gordium
/ˈɡɔːr.di.əm/noun
An ancient city in central Anatolia, traditionally identified as the capital of Phrygia.
Did you know?According to Greek and Roman tradition, Alexander the Great cut the famous knot at Gordium, supposedly fulfilling a prophecy that whoever loosened it would rule Asia.
Etymological Timeline
2nd Millennium BCE
Phrygian
Gordion
“Ancient place-name associated with the Phrygian settlement; the precise meaning of the name is uncertain.”
c. 8th–7th Century BCE
Phrygian
Gordias
“Personal name of the legendary or historical founder-king connected with the city.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Γόρδιον (Górdion)
“Gordium, the Phrygian city.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Gordium
“Latin form of the city’s name.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Gordium
“The classical place-name preserved in historical and theological writing.”
Modern English
English
Gordium
“The ancient Phrygian city, chiefly known through the story of the Gordian Knot.”