Over many years, King Croesus of Lydia greatly expanded his power. Step by step, he brought under his control almost all the peoples who lived west of the Halys River, one of the most important natural borders in Anatolia. Only two groups managed to remain free from his rule: the Lycians and the Cilicians. All other nations in the region were conquered and forced to accept Lydian authority.
The peoples ruled by Croesus included a wide variety of cultures and tribes. Among them were the Lydians, Phrygians, Mysians, Mariandynians, Chalybians, and Paphlagonians. He also controlled the Thracian tribes of Thynia and Bithynia, as well as the Carians, Ionians, Dorians, Aeolians, and Pamphylians. Through these conquests, Croesus created one of the strongest kingdoms of his time The Death of Alyattes and His Offerings to Delphi.
Sardis at the Height of Its Wealth
With all these lands added to his empire, the city of Sardis, the capital of Lydia, reached the height of its prosperity. It became famous for its great wealth, luxury, and splendor. News of Croesus’ riches spread far and wide, and his court became a center of attention in the ancient world.
Because of this fame, many of the wisest men of Greece came to Sardis to visit Croesus. These men were known for their learning, experience, and insight into life. Among them was Solon of Athens, one of the most respected lawgivers and thinkers of Greece Private Guided Sofia Tours.
Solon’s Travels and His Visit to Croesus
Solon had left Athens for a long journey that was meant to last ten years. Officially, he said he wished to travel and see the world. In truth, he also wanted to avoid pressure from the Athenians to change the laws he had written for them. The people of Athens had sworn a strong oath to follow Solon’s laws for ten years and could not change them without his approval.
During his travels, Solon visited Egypt, where he spent time at the court of King Amasis. After that, he traveled to Lydia and arrived at Sardis, where Croesus welcomed him with great honor and housed him in the royal palace.
Croesus Shows His Treasures
A few days after Solon’s arrival, Croesus ordered his servants to show Solon all his treasuries. Solon was led through rooms filled with gold, silver, precious objects, and costly decorations. Everything was meant to display the king’s immense wealth and power.
When Solon had seen all these things, Croesus spoke to him. He said that he had heard much about Solon’s wisdom and travels and asked him an important question. Croesus asked, “Whom do you consider the happiest man you have ever seen?”
Croesus expected Solon to name him, since he believed himself to be the happiest of all people.
Solon’s Surprising Answer
To Croesus’ surprise, Solon answered honestly and without flattery. He said the happiest man he had known was Tellus of Athens. Croesus was shocked and asked why.
Solon explained that Tellus lived in a time when his city prospered. He had good and healthy children and lived long enough to see grandchildren grow up. His life was comfortable, but more importantly, his death was honorable. Tellus died bravely in battle while defending Athens and was honored by the city with a public funeral.
Through this answer, Solon showed that true happiness is not measured by wealth, but by a good life, family, honor, and a noble end.
The Lesson Behind Solon’s Words
Solon’s story carried a deep message. He wanted Croesus to understand that no one should be called truly happy until their life is complete. Wealth and power can change quickly, but a life lived with honor and virtue leaves a lasting legacy.
