Phrygian DNA (I3917)

The Phrygians, an Indo-European people, thrived in west-central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from around the 12th century BCE. Their mastery of metalworking, particularly in bronze, is evident in intricate artifacts. They established fortified settlements and were among the first to domesticate horses and invent the chariot, revolutionizing warfare and transportation. Their language, Phrygian, belonged to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family. Although details remain obscure, evidence suggests a complex society with elaborate burial rituals, sometimes involving horse sacrifices. The Phrygians' influence extended across the Eurasian steppe, and their legacy is felt in the cultures that followed them.