Ancient History: Kingdoms : Lydia and Persia

Have been subscribing to a newsletter that shares articles about ancient history. In addition, I glean tidbits of info from wherever I can find them. Learning about ancient peoples and civilizations brings me closer to the origins of man (the time before satellites, cable TV and the Internet 🙂 ) and reminds me that no matter what the period of time is, humans then were just like we are now. 🙂  They experience a “first” and a “last”; a “beginning” and an “end”.

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Sharing a few facts about Lydia, an ancient kingdom of Central Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).

• It prospered from 7^th century B.C. to mid-6^th century B.C. It had a magnificent capital at Sardis.

• It was probably the first state to issue coins (c. 625 B.C.); and to melt and work gold ore.

• The last king of Lydia was Croesus (560 – 546 B.C.). Some records describe the assets of his kingdom as “proverbial wealth” or “legendary wealth”.

• It was conquered by the Persians in 546 B.C. under the leadership of Cyrus II (“the Great”).

References to learn more:

LYDIA | Ancient History Encyclopedia

King Croesus : All About Turkey

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To contrast and compare, in my opinion, Cyrus, the ruler who took the place of Croesus, is really the one who provided this kingdom with “true wealth”. Here are two interesting summaries of his empire.

“From the beginning, Cyrus proved an enlightened ruler. He decreed that religious practices not be interfered with, and that social and political reforms be instituted according to the wishes of the people.”

Quote source: “Part 5: Keepers of the Faith.” Great People of the Bible and How They Lived. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest Association, 1974. 249. Print.

“Cyrus was known in Persia as a wise and tolerant ruler. He was able to gain the goodwill of the varied ethnic and religious groups within his large empire, which extended from India to the western edge of Asia Minor (modern Turkey).”

Quote source: Youngblood, Ronald F., ed. “CYRUS (Sigh Russ).” Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary: An Authoritative One-volume Reference Work on the Bible. 1995. 321. Print.

The reign of Cyrus the Great was from 559 – 530 B.C. He was killed in battle and succeeded by his son, who somehow wounded himself with his own sword. ( (???) Never mind. That’s another story.)  The ancient kingdom of Persia is modern day Iran.

Image: Relief of Cyrus at the gate of Pasargadae By Siamax, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

♦  Quick history lesson.  Hope you found it useful. 🙂