Gordius

, a Phrygian, who, though originally a peasant, was raised to the throne. During a sedition, the Phrygians consulted the oracle, and were told that all their troubles would cease as soon as they chose for their king the first man they met going to the temple of Jupiter, mounted on a chariot. Gordius was the object of their choice, and he immediately consecrated his chariot in the temple of Jupiter. The knot which tied the yoke to the draught tree, was made in such an artful manner that the ends of the cord could not be perceived. From this circumstance a report was soon spread, that the empire of Asia was promised by the oracle to him that could untie the Gordian knot. Alexander, in his conquest of Asia, pa ed by Gordium; and as he wished to leave nothing undone which might inspire his soldiers with courage, and make his enemies believe that he was born to conquer Asia, he cut the knot with his sword; and from that circumstance a erted that the oracle was really fulfilled, and that his claims to universal empire were fully justified. Justin , bk. 11 , ch. 7 .— Curtius , bk. 3 , ch. 1 .— Arrian , bk. 1 .――A tyrant of Corinth. Aristotle .