In 1968–69, three Phrygian tumuli in the vicinity of Ankara were excavated under the auspices of the Middle East Technical University and under the general supervision of Professor Ekrem Akurgal. The evidence from these tombs was initially examined from a purely archaeological standpoint. Recently, however, some of the metal findings were subjected to study through the application of physical and chemical analyses. The results have led to a re-examination of original conclusions drawn from the archaeological evidence.
In this paper, we present some of the results which have been obtained through these metallurgical analyses. But first, we would like to provide some general background information about the artifacts and about the locations at which they were found.
During the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. Ankara appears to have been the second most important Phrygian city after Gordion. Explorations in Ankara have revealed approximately twenty tumuli, dating from the eighth century to the middle of the sixth century B.C.