| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 70 Price realized: 750 EUR (Approx. 809 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Kings of Lydia. Sardeis. Kroisos 560-546 BC. Siglos or Half Stater AR 16 mm, 5,32 g Confronted foreparts of a lion and a bull / Two incuse squares, one larger than the other. Nearly Extremely Fine Berk 23; Rosen 663-5; SNG Kayhan 1024-6. Kroisos, the last king of Lydia, held sway over a prosperous kingdom in western Anatolia from around 595 BC to 546 BC. His reign was marked by notable achievements, with Lydia becoming renowned for its wealth. The phrase "as rich as Croesus" reflects the opulence associated with his name. Under Kroisos, Lydia expanded its influence, conquering Ionian Greek cities along the western coast of Anatolia. Notable among these conquests were cities like Ephesus and Miletus, which fell under Lydia's dominion. Kroisos also engaged in diplomatic relations with various Greek city-states, and his interactions with the Oracle of Delphi are particularly noteworthy. The Oracle's response, perceived as a prediction of victory over the Persians, played a pivotal role in Kroisos's decision to wage war against Cyrus the Great, the formidable leader of the Persian Empire. However, the Battle of Thymbra in 546 BC marked a turning point. Kroisos suffered defeat, and Lydia succumbed to Persian rule. The tale of Kroisos is intricately linked with the famous incident involving the Oracle of Delphi. Seeking guidance before the war, Kroisos received an ambiguous prophecy that a great empire would be destroyed. The unforeseen consequence was the downfall of his own kingdom. Following his defeat, Kroisos became a captive of Cyrus, and the details of his fate vary among historical accounts. Some suggest he narrowly escaped execution through his actions or divine intervention. The rise and fall of Kroisos and Lydia serve as a poignant chapter in the ancient Near East's historical narrative, illustrating the uncertainties of fate and the consequences of relying on oracles. The legacy of Kroisos endures as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of power and fortune in the annals of ancient history. Starting price: 500 EUR |  |
