Gordias appeared in Phrygia, an ancient kingdom of Asia Minor, on an ox-cart with his wife and his son, Midas. Because Midas seemed to fulfill certain prophecies, the priests declared him king of Phrygia. Gordias tied the ox-cart with a knot that was so intricate that it seemed impossible to untie. An oracle said that the one to untie the knot would become the king of Asia.
In 333 B.C., Alexander the Great solved the problem, after conquering Phrygia, when he took his sword and cut the knot. After that, he did indeed become the "king of Asia," conquering virtually all of the Middle East and most of Central Asia, all the way to India.
English word: Like Achilles, Gordias presents a two-word phrase in English, Gordian knot. This metaphor represents solving a problem by a brilliant, unexpected stroke.
In 333 B.C., Alexander the Great solved the problem, after conquering Phrygia, when he took his sword and cut the knot. After that, he did indeed become the "king of Asia," conquering virtually all of the Middle East and most of Central Asia, all the way to India.
English word: Like Achilles, Gordias presents a two-word phrase in English, Gordian knot. This metaphor represents solving a problem by a brilliant, unexpected stroke.
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