Croesus, King of Lydia

Croesus, King of Lydia, Asia Minor, came to the throne about 562 B.C. He is the richest man mentioned in history. His landed estate has been estimated at $8,333,330. His wealth has been variously accounted for. The capital of his kingdom was Sardis, on the river Pactolus, about forty-five miles from Smyrna. To this river, which brought considerable quantities of gold in its sand, is ascribed the abundant treasures belonging to Croesus and his predecessors; but Croesus possessed, besides, other mines, near Pergamus; and still another source of his wealth is to be found in the general industry of the Lydian people.

They were the first (according to Herodotus) to carry on retail trade, and the first to coin money of gold and silver.

Croesus was also a great conqueror, and at one time ruled over thirteen nations. He built a magnificent palace in Sardis, and otherwise adorned his capital. He used to invite great men to his palace, and give them royal entertainment. Among the number was AEsop, a Greek writer of fables, born about 620 B.C., whom he invited to live at his court. Croesus sent him at one time to Delphi, to consult the oracle there; and it is said that the Delphians, getting angry at his making fun of them, put him to death by throwing him from a high rock.

Solon, an Athenian law-giver, born about 638 B.C., and one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece, also visited Croesus at Sardis. After showing him his treasures, he asked Solon whom he thought was the happiest man in the world, expecting to hear himself named. "The man whom Heaven smiles upon to the last," said Solon.

This, Croesus considered as a rebuff, and neglected Solon.

Not long after, Cyrus, King of Persia, made war upon Lydia, and took Sardis by storm (548 B.C.). Croesus was taken prisoner, and condemned to be burned alive. When the pile was about to be lighted, Croesus cried out, "Solon! Solon! Solon!" Cyrus asked what he meant, and, when he was told, ordered Croesus to be set at liberty; and he made him his friend and adviser the rest of his life, allowing him to retain the title of king.

In the time of Christ, Sardis was destroyed by a terrible earthquake. It was afterwards rebuilt by the Romans. In 1402 Sardis was almost entirely destroyed again by Timour.

Remains of the palace of Croesus, and of other rich buildings, can still be seen there.