A Stranger Comes to Sardis
While King Croesus was busy preparing the wedding of his son Atys, an unusual event took place in the city […]
Solon Leaves Without Reward
This was the speech that Solon spoke to King Croesus. His words were wise, but they brought him neither gifts
Solon Explains the Uncertainty of Human Life
“Oh, Croesus,” Solon replied calmly, “you asked me a question about human happiness. This is a serious question, because the
Solon Continues His Lesson to Croesus
After telling the story of Tellus of Athens, Solon continued to advise King Croesus with calm and careful words. He
Croesus and the Expansion of the Lydian Empire
Over many years, King Croesus of Lydia greatly expanded his power. Step by step, he brought under his control almost
The Death of Alyattes and His Offerings to Delphi
After ending the long and difficult war with the people of Miletus, King Alyattes ruled the land of Lydia for
Periander of Corinth and His Time
Periander, who warned Thrasybulus about the oracle, was the son of Cypselus and the ruler, or tyrant, of Corinth. He
The Oracle’s Message Changes the Course of War
As soon as King Alyattes heard the words of the oracle from Delphi, he acted without delay. The oracle had
The Long War Between Lydia and Miletus
The war between the Lydians and the Milesians continued for eleven long years. During this time, the Milesians suffered greatly.
The Rise of Gyges and the Lydian Kingdom
When Gyges became king of Lydia, he acted quickly to show his power. Soon after taking the throne, he attacked