Lydia: Invention of Money

Lydia was an ancient kingdom located in the western part of modern-day Turkey. Its capital was Sardis, which is near the present-day town of Sart in Turkey’s Manisa Province.

If you’re traveling from abroad, the nearest international airport is the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir. From Izmir, you can get a car or a bus to Sart, which is about a 1.5-hour drive.

If you’re already in Turkey, you could also reach Sart by bus from other major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, or Antalya. The bus ride from Istanbul takes about 7-8 hours, while from Ankara, it’s about 6 hours.

Once you reach Sart, you can explore the nearby ruins of ancient Sardis, which include a Roman gymnasium, a Byzantine-era synagogue, the ruins of the ancient Lydian Acropolis, and the reconstructed facade of a Roman-era market building. Always remember to check the local travel advisories and hours of operation for these historical sites before planning your visit.

Please note that public transportation may not be available directly to the archaeological site. You might have to hire a taxi or rent a car for the final leg of the journey. Always confirm your travel plans with a reliable travel agency or directly with local transport services.

Packing for a visit to Lydia, or the archaeological site of Sardis, depends on the time of year and your personal needs. Here are some general suggestions:

Clothing: Turkey can be quite hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. Pack lightweight clothing for the summer months, and warm layers for the winter. Regardless of the season, it’s wise to pack a rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Always carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You will be walking over uneven terrain at the archaeological site, so sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended.

Hydration and Snacks: There may be limited facilities at the site, so consider packing water and snacks.

Camera: To capture the historic ruins and beautiful landscapes.

Guidebooks and Maps: It can be handy to have information about the site and its history. Consider downloading information onto your phone in case you cannot get a signal on-site.

Small First-Aid Kit: It’s always wise to have basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medication.

Backpack: To carry everything you might need during your day trip, including all the items listed above.

The ancient region of Lydia is located in what is now western Turkey, with its capital at Sardis. Today, there are no accommodations available right at the archaeological site of Sardis. However, there are several nearby cities and towns where you can find accommodations, depending on your budget and preferences.

Manisa: This is a large city offering a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. It is approximately 90 km from the site of Sardis.

Salihli: This is the closest major town to Sardis and has a variety of hotels. The distance to Sardis is only around 10 km, making it a convenient base for exploring the site.

Izmir: A bit further away, about 100 km from Sardis, is the coastal city of Izmir, the third-largest city in Turkey. Izmir has a broad array of accommodation options from five-star hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals. Plus, it offers other attractions and lively nightlife.

Lydia, which is in the western part of modern-day Turkey, experiences a Mediterranean climate. This type of climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The region can be quite warm in the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), while winter temperatures usually range between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Rainfall is more frequent between November and March, and snow is rare but can occur in the winter months, especially in inland or higher-altitude areas. During spring and autumn, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making these good times to visit.

The best time to visit Lydia, which has a Mediterranean climate, typically falls in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally mild, pleasant, and ideal for outdoor sightseeing and other activities. The region’s natural beauty also tends to be particularly striking during these seasons, with vibrant wildflowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the autumn.

The summer months (July and August) can be quite hot, especially for those unaccustomed to Mediterranean summers, and some may find this heat uncomfortable. However, these are also the months with the longest days, which allows for more time to explore.

Winters (December to February) in Lydia are mild and rainy. While it’s not the most popular time to visit due to the weather, there will be fewer tourists, and some may appreciate the different perspectives offered by the winter landscape.

Lydia was an ancient kingdom located in what is now western Turkey. It’s known for its rich history, which includes advancements in commerce and culture.

Lydia’s history can be traced back to the 2nd millennium BCE, but it rose to prominence under the Mermnad dynasty around the 7th century BCE. The most famous king of this dynasty was Croesus, who reigned from 595 to 546 BCE. He was known for his great wealth, which led to the phrase “as rich as Croesus.”

The Lydians were known for their innovations in the economic sphere, especially the invention of coinage. It is widely believed that the Lydians were the first to mint coins as a form of currency, around the 7th century BCE. This played a crucial role in the development of commerce and trade in the ancient world.

The Lydians were also noted for their military prowess and were one of the few cultures able to challenge the power of the Persian Empire. However, Lydia was eventually conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia in 546 BCE. After the conquest, Lydia was turned into a satrapy, or province, of the Persian Empire.

After the fall of the Persian Empire, Lydia came under the rule of Alexander the Great and later became part of the Roman Empire. Under Roman rule, Lydia maintained a degree of autonomy and remained a crucial center of commerce and culture.

Today, the remains of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, including the capital city of Sardis, offer a fascinating glimpse into this influential ancient civilization.

Lydia is renowned for several “firsts” and significant contributions to the ancient world, particularly in the areas of economy and culture. Here are some of its major achievements:

First Use of Coins: Lydia is credited with inventing coinage in the 7th century BCE. These first coins were made of a naturally occurring mixture of gold and silver called electrum, and they had a lion’s head stamped on them. This represented a significant advancement in commerce and trade as it standardized values and facilitated easier transactions.

Wealth of King Croesus: King Croesus, who ruled Lydia from 595 to 546 BCE, was known for his great wealth. His riches became so proverbial that the phrase “as rich as Croesus” is still used today to refer to someone extremely wealthy.

Cultural Influence: Lydia was a center of culture and learning, particularly during the Roman period. Its capital, Sardis, was known for its schools of philosophy and rhetoric.

Influence on Music: According to ancient sources, the Lydians had a significant influence on the development of music. The mode of music known as the Lydian mode, characterized by the raising of the fourth note in a scale, is named after them.

Military Achievements: Under the leadership of King Alyattes and his son Croesus, Lydia became a major military power, conquering many of its neighboring regions, and was one of the few cultures able to challenge the Persian Empire, until it was eventually conquered by Cyrus the Great.

Lydia, a kingdom of western Asia Minor, is known for a number of important historical sites and ruins, many of which are centered around its ancient capital, Sardis. Here are a few of the most notable:

Sardis: The ancient capital of Lydia, Sardis was once one of the most important cities of the ancient world. It was famed for its wealth and was the first city where gold and silver coins were minted. Ruins include the Temple of Artemis, a Roman-era gymnasium, and several Byzantine-era structures.

Gyges Tomb: Near the ancient capital, Sardis, is the supposed tomb of Gyges, a king of Lydia from the 7th century BCE. The tomb is a massive mound known as a tumulus and is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the area.

Bin Tepe: This is an extensive necropolis, or cemetery, near Sardis. It contains more than a hundred burial mounds, or tumuli, including some that are associated with the Lydian kings.

Philadelphia: Now known as Alasehir, this was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. The ruins include a Byzantine-era basilica and several mosques.

Heraclia under Sipylus (modern Manisa): This was an important city in Roman times, known for its hot springs and its temple of the goddess Artemis.

The most famous person from the history of Lydia is likely King Croesus, who reigned from 560-547 BC.

Croesus is famous for his wealth; his name has become a byword for richness and he is said to have been the first person to issue true gold coins with a standardized purity for general circulation. Moreover, he’s known for his misinterpreted prophecy from the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle stated that if Croesus went to war with Persia, he would destroy a great empire. Interpreting this as a favorable outcome, Croesus went to war, but the great empire that was destroyed was his own.

Another notable figure from Lydia is the aforementioned King Gyges. He founded the Mermnad dynasty of Lydian kings, of which Croesus was a part. His reign marked the start of the period of Lydian history most well-known to the wider world.

The semi-mythical figure Omphale, queen of Lydia, is also worth mentioning. In Greek mythology, she was the master of the hero Heracles during a year of required servitude—an unusual role reversal tale in the myths.

The ancient region of Lydia doesn’t exist as a defined geographical location today. It’s part of modern western Turkey and doesn’t have any official borders or specific tourist attractions labeled under its ancient name. However, there are many historical and cultural sites in the general area that was once Lydia, which was centered around its capital Sardis. So, if you’re interested in exploring this region, here are some activities and locations you might consider:

1. Visit Sardis: Explore the ruins of ancient Sardis, including the Temple of Artemis and the Roman Gymnasium.
2. Explore Manisa: Manisa is a large city in the region that offers several attractions, including the Muradiye Mosque and Manisa’s Archaeological Museum.
3. Thyateira (modern Akhisar): This ancient city was one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
4. See the Tomb of Alyattes: This monumental tomb belonging to the Lydian King Alyattes is one of the largest burial mounds in the world.
5. Explore Izmir: This major city, formerly Smyrna, is nearby and offers many attractions, including the ancient Agora, the clock tower in Konak Square, and the Kemeralti Bazaar.
6. Visit Pergamon: The ancient city of Pergamon is renowned for its acropolis, temples, and the famous Pergamon Altar.
7. Hierapolis-Pamukkale: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its white terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water and its ancient ruins.8
8. Hike Mount Sipylus (Manisa Dagi): The mountain was associated with the myth of Niobe in Greek mythology, and it’s said to be the place where she wept until she turned into stone.
9. Visit Ephesus: One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean region.
10. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary: Near Ephesus, this is a pilgrimage site believed by some to be the last residence of Mary, mother of Jesus.
11. Visit the Ancient City of Philadelphia: Another of the Seven Churches of Revelation, it’s now called Alasehir.
12. Explore the Akhisar Archaeological Museum: This museum houses artifacts from the region, including from the ancient cities of Thyateira and Philadelphia.
13. Visit the Usak Museum of Archaeology: This museum has a rich collection of ancient artifacts, including the world-famous Lydian Treasure.
14. Tour the Bin Tepe tumulus field: This area contains many ancient Lydian tombs, including the supposed resting place of the legendary King Midas.
15. Enjoy local cuisine: Don’t forget to try local Turkish cuisine, which can vary significantly from region to region.

Lydia was an ancient kingdom located in what is now western Turkey. Today, there are several significant archaeological sites in this region that once constituted Lydia. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Sardis: This was the capital of Lydia, and there are substantial ruins here, including a well-preserved Roman-era gymnasium and the Temple of Artemis.

Hierapolis: This ancient city, near the natural wonder of Pamukkale’s terraces, was part of the region dominated by Lydia. Hierapolis is known for its Roman and Byzantine ruins, including a theater, temples, and a necropolis.

Ephesus: This ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia was once under the control of Lydia. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses.

Pergamon: While this wasn’t part of ancient Lydia, it’s close enough to be included in a tour of the region. Pergamon was a rich and powerful ancient Greek city. The Acropolis of Pergamon is an important archaeological site featuring a steep theatre, several temples, and the impressive Altar of Zeus.

Thyateira (Akhisar): This was one of the ancient cities of Lydia and is mentioned in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation.

Bin Tepe: This is a group of ancient burial mounds near Sardis. It is the site of the largest burial mound in Turkey, believed to be the final resting place of Alyattes, the Lydian king.

Manisa: This modern city is located in the heart of what was once Lydia. Today, it features Ottoman-era mosques, a thriving bazaar, and other historical sites.

Philadelphia (Alasehir): This ancient city, known in the Hellenistic and Roman period as Philadelphia, was also one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation.

The Usak Museum of Archaeology: This museum has a rich collection of Lydian and other ancient artifacts, including the famous Lydian Hoard, often referred to as the “Croesus Treasure.”

There are many tour operators that offer guided visits to the ancient sites in Lydia, most of which are based in larger cities such as Izmir or Istanbul. Here are some options:

Ephesus and Sardis Tours: These tours cover the historical highlights of Lydia including the ancient city of Sardis and the archaeological wonder of Ephesus. The tours typically include transportation, lunch, and a professional tour guide knowledgeable about the history and archaeology of the area.

Pergamon Day Trip: This day trip is perfect for those interested in the Hellenistic period, taking visitors to the city of Pergamon, which is known for its Acropolis and the Altar of Zeus.

Hierapolis and Pamukkale Tour: This tour covers the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. The surreal landscape of Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” is a sight to behold.

Seven Churches of Revelation Tour: This multi-day tour visits the seven ancient cities mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, several of which are located in what was once Lydia.

Private Tours: For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a private tour guide. They can tailor the itinerary to your interests, giving you a unique insight into the history and culture of Lydia.

Archaeological Tours: For history buffs, consider tours that are specifically focused on the archaeology of the region. These tours are typically led by archaeologists or historians and provide in-depth information about the sites.