Sardis: Where Croesus Made History

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.

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 the first true gold and silver coins, a significant advancement in economic history that facilitated trade throughout the region.

Gold coin of Croesus, Lydian, around 550 BC, found in what is now modern Turkey. (Classical Numismatic Group/CC BY-SA 3.0)

The city was strategically located at the western end of the Royal Road, an ancient highway built by the Persians that connected Sardis to the Persian capital of Susa. This road allowed for the efficient movement of goods, armies, and information across vast distances, further enhancing Sardis’s importance as a hub of trade and communication.

In 547 BC, however, Sardis fell to Cyrus the Great, marking the beginning of its incorporation into the Persian Empire. This mighty leader expanded his realm, and Sardis was in the way. Croesus could not withstand the power of Cyrus – after a brief siege, the city was conquered and completely destroyed. Archaeological finds reveal that it was burnt to ashes, quite literally. This was the end of the famed Lydian era of Sardis.

Rebirth

Under Persian rule, the city was built anew, and henceforth maintained its significance as an administrative center and continued to thrive culturally and economically.

The wealth of Sardis was derived from its strategic location and its natural resources, including the fertile Hermus Valley and the Pactolus River, which was said to be rich in gold. This wealth facilitated the city’s development into a cultural center, attracting artists, philosophers, and traders from across the ancient world.

The luxurious lifestyle contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the city. They were credited with significant innovations, such as the invention of the Greek musical scale, and played a vital role in spreading Greek culture and ideas throughout the region. Sardis was also a melting pot of various cultural influences, with its population comprising Greeks, Persians, Lydians, and other peoples, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Depiction of the ancient Greek scale. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Gateway to Ancient Greece

Economically, the city was renowned for its textile industry, particularly the production of fine woolen garments. The Lydians’ skills in metalworking, especially in gold and silver, were highly advanced, and Sardis became synonymous with the art of minting coins. The introduction of coinage revolutionized trade, as it provided a standardized medium of exchange that replaced the cumbersome barter system and facilitated commerce across vast distances.

Silver croeseid issued by King Croesus of Lydia (561–545 BC), obverse: lion and bull protomes. (Jastrow/CC BY 2.5)

Sardis was known for its impressive architectural achievements, reflecting its wealth and cultural sophistication. The city was divided into two main areas: the Acropolis, which was a fortified citadel perched on a hill, and the lower city, which sprawled across the fertile plains. The acropolis served as a refuge during times of war and was the site of important religious and administrative buildings.

One of the most significant structures in Sardis was the Temple of Artemis, one of the largest temples of its time, rivaling even the famous Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Although only partially completed, the temple was a testament to the city’s architectural ambition and religious devotion. The temple’s remains are still visible today and serve as a reminder of the grandeur of ancient Sardis.

Another notable feature of the city was its advanced infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and a sophisticated sewage system. The city’s streets were lined with shops, public baths, and other amenities, providing a high standard of living for its inhabitants. The gymnasium complex, which included a large bathing facility and a central courtyard, was a focal point of social and athletic life, reflecting the Greek influence on Lydian culture.

From One Ruler to Another

After the fall of the Persian Empire, Sardis came under the control of Alexander the Great and later the Seleucid Empire, before eventually becoming part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC. During Roman rule, Sardis continued to flourish as a provincial capital, benefiting from its strategic location along important trade routes. The Romans invested heavily in the city’s infrastructure, building new roads, aqueducts, and public buildings, which further enhanced its prosperity.

One of the most remarkable Roman contributions to Sardis was the reconstruction of the gymnasium complex, which became one of the largest and most elaborate in the ancient world. The complex included a grand colonnaded facade, a series of baths, and a large central courtyard used for athletic training and public gatherings. The Roman period also saw the construction of a theater, a stadium, and a significant expansion of the city’s residential areas.

The Greek gymnasium of Sardis. (Carole Raddato/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Sardis’s multicultural society thrived under Roman rule, with a blend of Roman, Greek, and local Lydian customs and traditions. The city became a center for early Christianity, and it was one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. The Christian community in Sardis was well-established by the 2nd century AD, contributing to the city’s religious and cultural diversity. Sardis’s prosperity nevertheless began to wane in the late Roman period, as political instability and economic challenges took their toll. The city suffered significant damage during a series of earthquakes in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, which led to a decline in population and economic activity. Although Sardis was partially rebuilt, it never regained its former glory.

A Victim of the Rolling Times

In the Byzantine period, Sardis became a smaller, fortified town as the focus of trade and political power shifted elsewhere. The city was eventually abandoned in the Middle Ages, leaving behind ruins that testify to its rich and varied history. Despite its decline, Sardis left a lasting legacy in the ancient world. The city was immortalized in Greek and Roman literature as a symbol of wealth and splendor, and its innovations, particularly in coinage, had a profound impact on the development of economic systems across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Modern archaeological excavations at Sardis have revealed a wealth of information about the city’s history and culture. Since the early 20th century, archaeologists have uncovered significant portions of the city, including the Acropolis, the Temple of Artemis, the gymnasium complex, and numerous residential and commercial buildings. These excavations have provided valuable insights into the daily lives of Sardis’s inhabitants, their religious practices, and their interactions with other cultures. Artifacts such as pottery, coins, and inscriptions have shed light on the city’s trade networks and cultural exchanges, highlighting its role as a crossroads of the ancient world.

The ongoing archaeological work at Sardis continues to reveal new aspects of the city’s history, contributing to our understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world and its complex web of cultural and economic interactions.

Remains of the Temple of Artemis with the acropolis visible in the background. (Carole Raddato /CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Heritage of Gold

Sardis remains an insight into the rich history and cultural achievements of the ancient Lydians and their successors. From its origins as the capital of Lydia to its prominence as a key city in the Persian and Roman empires, Sardis was a hub of innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

Today the ruins of Sardis, with their impressive architecture and artifacts, offer a glimpse into the city’s glorious past and its role as a center of ancient civilization. As archaeological efforts continue to uncover new facets of Sardis’s history, the city remains a symbol of the enduring influence of ancient cultures on the modern world.

Top image: Croesus from Sardis, showing his treasures to Solon. Frans Francken the Younger, 17th century.                             Source: Public Domain

By Aleksa Vučković