The Lydians, known for their pioneering role in the development of money, are among Anatolia’s oldest civilizations. In ancient times, they inhabited the region between the Gediz (Hermos) and Küçük Menderes (Kaistos) rivers. After the fall of the Phrygians, the Lydians established an independent state with its capital near Salihli in 487 BCE. Their territory extended from Antalya in the south to Çanakkale and İzmir in the west, and as far north as Samsun.
The Lydians reached the height of their power during the rule of King Croesus, also known as the “Lion King,” thanks to his immense wealth. However, their prosperity would eventually lead to their downfall when they faced the Persians in 546 BCE, resulting in the fall of the Lydian Kingdom.
The Lydians made history as the first civilization to use coins as currency. They minted the first coins using metal alloys like gold and silver. These coins, featuring the symbol of a lion, revolutionized trade by eliminating the need for bartering and promoting economic growth.
The concept of a free market, which could be considered the precursor to modern stock exchanges, was established by the Lydians in Sardis (present-day Salihli, Manisa). The “Royal Road” stretching from Ephesus (İzmir) to Persepolis (Iran) bears witness to their flourishing trade activities.
The Lydians adhered to Greek mythology and believed in deities such as Artemis, Zeus, and Greek gods. They buried their dead in mounds called “tumuli,” which had secret chambers. Using a 26-letter alphabet, the Lydians excelled in both architecture and craftsmanship, particularly in stonework and jewelry making.
According to legend, before the Lydians, there was a civilization known as the Heraclids. The last king of the Heraclids, Candaules, loved his wife so much that he insisted on showing her beauty to his bodyguard, Gigis, who initially refused but eventually agreed. When the queen discovered Gigis, she threatened him, saying, “Either you kill the king and take his place, or you die.” Gigis chose to kill the king and establish the Lydian Kingdom.
The Karun Treasure, consisting of over 400 artifacts primarily dating back to the reign of King Croesus in the 5th century BCE, was illegally excavated and smuggled to the United States in the 1960s. After a lengthy legal battle, it was returned to Turkey in 1993, albeit at a cost exceeding the treasure’s market value. However, the story took a tragicomic turn as the cost of retrieving the stolen treasure far exceeded its actual worth.
The famous Winged Seahorse Brooch, a part of the Karun Treasure, was not immune to controversy. In 2006, it was replaced with a counterfeit, leading to a scandal. It resurfaced in Germany six years later, prompting a criminal investigation. The original brooch, now displayed in the Uşak Museum, still sparks debates about its authenticity.
The Lydians, with their groundbreaking contributions to currency, trade, and culture, continue to be a source of fascination. Their legacy lives on in the annals of history, a testament to their enduring impact on Anatolian civilization. The saga of the Karun Treasure, from its illegal acquisition to its eventual return, serves as a compelling chapter in the story of cultural heritage preservation.