Kingdom of Lydia

The Kingdom of Lydia was an ancient civilization located in what is now western Turkey, flourishing from around the 8th to the 6th century BCE. Lydia is best known for its wealthy society and innovations, particularly in coinage; it is credited with producing some of the first coins made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver. The Lydians were skilled traders and artisans, and their capital, Sardis, became a significant cultural and economic hub. The kingdom eventually fell to the Persian Empire, but its legacy influenced economic systems and trade practices in subsequent civilizations.