Croesus

Croesus (reigned about 560-546 bc), last king of Lydia, an ancient country of Asia Minor. His father, Alyattes (reigned about 600-560 bc), king of Lydia, died about 560 bc, and after a brief struggle with a half brother, Croesus became king. He increased his territory by conquest, winning a vast amount of booty, which made his wealth proverbial. According to legend, the Athenian sage Solon once visited the Lydian capital, Sardis, and was asked by Croesus if the possessor of such riches might not be considered the happiest of mortals. Solon replied: “Call no man happy before his death.” After Croesus had reigned about 11 years, the Medes, neighbors to the southeast, were conquered by the Persians, and Croesus prepared for an inevitable trial of strength with the latter.

Croesus allied himself with Babylonia, Egypt, and Sparta and invaded the Persian province of Cappadocia in Asia Minor. Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, led an army against the Lydian forces, penetrated to Sardis, and captured the king. Croesus was either killed at that time or survived as a trusted vassal of Cyrus and his son, Cambyses II, later king of Persia. According to one legend, the prisoner Croesus, about to be burned alive by Cyrus, cried out to Solon, remembering the wise man's words. Cyrus, demanding an explanation, was told the story and was so impressed that he ordered the blaze extinguished. The fire was burning so fiercely that his command could not be obeyed, but the god Apollo, whom Croesus revered, interceded with a rainstorm that quenched the flames. Croesus was then set free and honored by the Persians.