687: Lydia begins to expand - Scroll Down for more details

The Rise of Lydia - Expansion and Power in 687 BCE

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In 687 BCE, the Kingdom of Lydia, located in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), began a period of significant expansion under the rule of the Mermnad dynasty. This marked the rise of Lydia as a dominant regional power, setting the stage for its later wealth and influence under famous rulers like Croesus.

Background of Lydia

Lydia was a prosperous kingdom known for its fertile lands, rich mineral resources (particularly gold from the Pactolus River), and strategic position between the Aegean coast and the Anatolian interior. Before the Mermnad dynasty, Lydia was ruled by the Heraclid dynasty, which had maintained power for centuries.

The Mermnad Takeover and Expansion

In 687 BCE, Gyges (or Guggu in Assyrian records) overthrew the Heraclid king Candaules, establishing the Mermnad dynasty. Gyges' rise to power was controversial—according to Herodotus, he seized the throne after being involved in a scandal involving Candaules' wife. Once in control, Gyges consolidated his rule and began expanding Lydia's borders.

• Military Campaigns: Gyges led campaigns against neighboring Greek cities along the Ionian coast, such as Miletus and Smyrna, bringing them under Lydia's sphere of influence.
  
• Conflict with the Cimmerians: Lydia faced threats from nomadic Cimmerian invaders from the north. Gyges initially sought Assyrian support against them but later broke ties with Assyria, leading to further instability.
  
• Economic Growth: Lydia's expansion allowed it to control key trade routes, increasing its wealth. The Lydians were among the first to mint standardized coinage, revolutionizing trade in the ancient world.

Legacy of Lydia's Expansion

Lydia's growth in the 7th century BCE laid the foundation for its golden age under King Alyattes and Croesus (6th century BCE), when it became synonymous with immense riches. However, Lydia's expansion also brought it into conflict with the rising Persian Empire, leading to its eventual conquest by Cyrus the Great in 546 BCE.

Conclusion:
The year 687 BCE was a turning point for Lydia, marking the beginning of its rise as a major Anatolian power. Through military conquest, economic innovation, and political maneuvering, the Mermnad dynasty transformed Lydia into a kingdom that would leave a lasting impact on ancient history.

(Note: Some details of Lydia's early expansion rely on fragmentary historical records, including Assyrian inscriptions and later Greek accounts like those of Herodotus.)