The region of Anatolia in Asia Minor was once a vibrant hub of Hellenistic culture, filled with many bustling cities that were formed by Greek colonists in the dawn of their civilization or Hellenized native peoples. Sardis, one such city and the vibrant capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, played a significant role in the ancient world due to its strategic location, wealth, and cultural influence. Situated in what is now western Turkey , near the modern town of Sart, Sardis was a key city in both the Persian Empire and the Roman Empire.
The city's history spans several millennia, with its origins dating back to the late Bronze Age and its prominence continuing through various historical epochs until its decline in the Middle Ages. Sardis was not only a center of trade and culture but also a symbol of ancient innovation and prosperity, most notably as the birthplace of its legendary king, Croesus, renowned for his immense wealth. · The Ionian Revolt - Prelude to the Graeco-Persian Wars · Cyrus the Great – Conqueror or Uber Human Rights Activist? Sardis and the Spread of the Hellenistic World Sardis 's early history is shrouded in legend and myth, with its founding often attributed to the mythical Lydian king, Gyges, in the 7th century BC.
The city rose to prominence under the rule of the Mermnad dynasty, particularly during the reign of King Croesus in the mid-6th century BC. Croesus was famous for his wealth, which became proverbial, and he is credited with issuing t.