Lydia was an ancient kingdom of Asia Minor, also known as Mæonia.
Its principal city was Sardis.
The boundaries of Lydia varied across the centuries. It was first bounded by Mysia Major[?], Caria, Phrygia and Ionia. Later on, it grew to contain all the land between the Halys[?] river and the Aegean sea. The empire's name became synonymous with wealth and Sardis was renowned as a beautiful city.
The name Lydia is derived from Lydus[?], a king of Mæonia.
The last Lydian king, Croesus was beaten by Cyrus in 548 BC and the kingdom became a province of the Persian empire.
Selected Monarchs of Lydia with date of accession.
