Telmissus, the capital of ancient Phyrgia. It was decreed by the city’s oracle that the next king would be the next person to enter the city on an ox-cart. The man was a peasant farmer named Gordias. Years later, his son Midas dedicated the ox-cart as an offering to their god, he attached the ox-cart used by Gordias to a post using an impossibly intricate knot made of cornel bark. It was prophesie
d that whoever could undo the knot would become the king of Asia. Sometime around 333 BC Alexander the Great attempted the knot puzzle. The ends of the rope were hidden to make the puzzle more difficult. After some time considering the problem Alexander asked if there were any specific rules to solving the problem. He was told that there were not, he simply had to find a way to undo the knot. With this in mind Alexander drew his sword and in a single stroke cut the knot in two, thereby undoing the knot in a way nobody else had even considered. Alexander ignored the conventions, not for sake of being contrary but for expediency and effectiveness, he was bold and direct, demonstrating a practical and unique approach not seen from anyone else.
