• Asia Minor 500 BC

This region has been the scene of competing kingdoms and empires for the past few centuries, but its strategic location for trade, as well as its mineral deposits, has enabled its cities to grow wealthy. The kingdom of Lydia, with its legendary kings Midas and Croessus, was fabled for its riches.

The culture of this kingdom was heavily influenced by the Greek cities on the coast, amongst the leading centres of Greek civilization. The cultural transmission between the Asia Minor and Greece has not been all one way, however. The former originated the invention of metal coinage, a major contributor to greater economic efficiency.

The whole of Asia Minor has now fallen under the dominion of the mighty Persian empire.

Related Timelines:
Timeline of Middle East History

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