People > Kings of Lydia

Kings of Lydia

Background

Lydia was an ancient kingdom located in what is now western Turkey, flourishing from around the 12th century BCE until its conquest by the Persian Empire in the mid-6th century BCE. The Lydian kings are particularly noted for their wealth and contributions to early coinage. Here is a description and list of some of the notable kings of Lydia:

Heraclid Dynasty:

1. Manes (c. 12th century BCE): Considered the legendary founder of the Heraclid dynasty, Manes is often linked with early mythological origins of the Lydians.
2. Atys (c. 11th century BCE): A legendary figure, Atys was said to be the son of Manes and continued the early mythical lineage.
3. Lydus (c. 10th century BCE): From whom the name "Lydia" is derived, Lydus is credited with the establishment and consolidation of the Lydian kingdom.

Mermnad Dynasty:

1. Gyges (c. 687 – 652 BCE): Founder of the Mermnad dynasty, Gyges seized the throne and expanded Lydia's influence significantly. He is also known for being one of the first to mint coins.
2. Ardys II (c. 652 – 620 BCE): Gyges' son, Ardys continued his father's expansionist policies, waging war against the Cimmerians and other neighboring states.
3. Sadyattes (c. 620 – 610 BCE): Son of Ardys, his reign was marked by continued conflict with the Greek cities on the coast.
4. Alyattes II (c. 610 – 560 BCE): One of the most powerful Lydian kings, Alyattes strengthened Lydia through military campaigns and secured its borders, leading to a period of prosperity.
5. Croesus (c. 560 – 546 BCE): The last and most famous king of Lydia, Croesus is renowned for his immense wealth and is credited with issuing some of the first standardized gold and silver coins. His reign ended when Lydia was conquered by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great.

Key Characteristics of Lydian Kingship:

• Wealth: The kings of Lydia were known for their immense wealth, especially Croesus, whose riches became proverbial.
• Coinage: Lydia is credited with the introduction of the first true coinage in history, facilitating trade and economic development.
• Military Prowess: The Lydian kings were formidable military leaders, expanding their territory and influencing neighboring regions.
• Cultural Influence: Lydia was a significant cultural hub, influencing Greek art, culture, and mythology.

The legacy of the Lydian kings, especially their innovations in coinage, had a lasting impact on economic practices in the ancient world, marking an important development in the history of commerce and trade.

Sources

Herodotus. Histories, 1.7.