King Xuan of Zhou vs Midas of Phrygia

After the Gonghe Regency ended, King Xuan ascended the throne and worked to restore the Zhou king's authority. He reasserted control over the feudal lords and revived the central government's power.

King Xuan led successful military campaigns against the Xianyun (northern nomads) and the Huaiyi (eastern tribes). These victories secured the borders and restored Zhou military prestige.

King Xuan implemented economic reforms, including tax adjustments and land redistribution, to revive the Zhou economy. These measures increased state revenue and improved agricultural productivity.

King Xuan suffered a major military defeat against the Jiang Rong tribe at the Battle of Qianmu. This loss weakened the Zhou army and marked a setback in the king's efforts to restore military dominance.

Midas formed an alliance with the Assyrian king Sargon II to counter the Cimmerian threat. This diplomatic move secured Phrygia's borders temporarily, but the alliance was fragile and did not prevent future Cimmerian invasions.

Midas commissioned the Midas Monument (Midas City) in Yaz

The myth of Midas's golden touch, where everything he touched turned to gold, became a popular Greek legend. While not historical, this story reflects Midas's reputation for wealth and power in ancient literature, influencing later cultural narratives.

Midas was defeated by the Cimmerians, who overran Phrygia and sacked the capital Gordion. According to historical accounts, Midas committed suicide by drinking bull's blood after the defeat, ending his reign and the Phrygian kingdom's independence.