The other remains connected with the Christian history of Thyateira are today displayed in the Manisa Archaeological Museum. These objects are modest in number, but they help us understand that Thyateira was once an active Christian city. Architectural fragments, inscriptions, and stone elements give small but valuable clues about the early churches and religious life of the city. Although much of ancient Thyateira lies beneath the modern town, these museum pieces preserve an important part of its forgotten past Sofia Day Trip.
The Foundation of Ancient Sardis
Sardis, known today as Sartmustafa, is thought to have been founded at the end of the second millennium BCE. At that time, it was probably the capital of a local principality located along the western frontier of the Hittite Empire. Evidence of Hittite influence can be seen in a rock relief near Sardis, which shows that Hittite power extended as far west as this region.
From around 1200 BCE until the beginning of the seventh century BCE, very little is known about the history of Sardis. This period remains largely unclear, probably because written sources are rare and archaeological evidence is limited.
The Mermnad Dynasty and the Cimmerian Threat
A clearer historical picture begins with Gyges, who ruled from about 685 to 645 BCE. He was the first king of the Mermnad dynasty. Ancient Assyrian records refer to him as “Gugu of the Luddi”, meaning the king of the Lydians.
During the reign of Gyges, Cimmerian invaders arrived in Anatolia. These nomadic groups had already destroyed Gordion, the capital of Phrygia. Sardis and the kingdom of Lydia were also attacked. However, thanks to strong leadership and rich natural resources, Lydia recovered more quickly than its neighbors.
Croesus and the Persian Conquest
The most famous Lydian king was Croesus, who ruled from 561 to 546 BCE. His name became a symbol of great wealth, and even today people say “as rich as Croesus.” Despite his power and riches, Sardis was eventually captured by the Persians under King Cyrus the Great. This event marked the end of Lydian independence Those Who Remained Faithful.
Lydia in Ancient Texts
Ancient writers often mention the wealth and generosity of the Lydian kings. They sent valuable gifts of gold and silver to famous sanctuaries, including the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and Miletus, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.
The Lydians, called “Lud” in ancient texts, are mentioned several times in the Old Testament (Genesis 10:22; 1 Chronicles 1:17; Isaiah 66:19). In the Book of Jeremiah (46:9), the “men of Lud” are described as skilled archers serving as mercenaries in the army of Pharaoh Necho II. They fought against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, at the Battle of Carchemish on the Euphrates River in 605 BCE.
The Source of Lydian Wealth
The great wealth of Lydia came mainly from gold. Rainwater washed natural electrum, a mixture of gold and silver, from Mount Tmolus (Bozdağ) into the Pactolus River (Sart Deresi). Ancient research and modern studies show that some layers of the mountain contain small but valuable amounts of gold.
This natural resource allowed Lydia to become one of the richest kingdoms of the ancient world and helped Sardis rise to fame as a powerful and wealthy city.
