Having arrived at Gordion in Phrygia (Turkey) in 333 BC, Alexander the Great wanted to see "The Gordian Knot". Probably, "the Gordian knot" was an inextricable knot that tied the shaft of an ox-cart and a pole together. According to legend, "The Gordian Knot" was tied by king Midas. The legend told also that the person who managed to untie the knot, would become the ruler of Asia. After trying vainly to untie the knot, Alexander became frustrated and cut the knot with his sword.

The notion "cutting the Gordian knot" means to solve an impossible problem by forcefully but unortordox methods.