Lydia was an ancient kingdom in Anatolia which occupied the valleys of the Hermus and Cayster rivers. From the middle of the 7th century to the middle of the 6th century the Lydians were the most powerful people in Anatolia. They were said to have been the first makers of gold and silver coins.
Croesus (595 BC – c. 546 BC) was a king of Lydia who is said to have reigned for 14 years: from 560 BC until he was defeated by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 546 BC. Croesus was famous for his great wealth.