Alyattes

Alyattes II (died c. 560 BC) was the king of Lydia from approximately 619 BC to 560 BC, succeeding his father, Sadyattes. He was a member of the Mermnad dynasty.

Alyattes is credited with numerous significant actions during his reign. He brought to a conclusion the long-standing war with Miletus, which had been initiated by his father. The conflict, marked by raids and destruction rather than decisive battles, ended with a treaty of alliance and mutual respect.

Alyattes significantly expanded the Lydian kingdom, extending its influence over much of western Asia Minor. He drove the Cimmerians out of Asia Minor, effectively ending their destructive incursions into the region. He also engaged in wars against the Medes. A major battle between Lydia and Media, fought in 585 BC and ending inconclusively due to a solar eclipse, led to a peace treaty brokered by Syennesis of Cilicia and Labynetus of Babylon. This treaty established the Halys River as the border between the two kingdoms.

Alyattes is also credited with the invention of coinage made from electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver), which revolutionized trade and commerce in the ancient world. While the actual development was likely gradual, his reign is associated with the standardization and widespread use of coinage.

He was succeeded by his son, Croesus, who would become renowned for his immense wealth. Alyattes' tomb, a large mound located north of Sardis, was described by Herodotus and excavated in the 19th century, confirming the accuracy of ancient accounts.