The renown of Croesus established, his capital of Sardis became the resort of the wise and the adventurous, whether of Asia or of Greece.

In many respects the Lydians so closely resembled the Greeks as to suggest the affinity which historical evidence scarcely suffices to permit us absolutely to affirm.

The manners and the customs of either people did not greatly differ, save that with the Lydians, as still throughout the East, but little consideration was attached to women;--they were alike in their cultivation of the arts, and their respect for the oracles of religion--and Delphi, in especial, was inordinately enriched by the prodigal superstition of the Lydian kings.
The tradition which ascribes to the Lydians the invention of coined money is a proof of their commercial habits.

The neighbouring Tmolus teemed with gold, which the waters of the Pactolus bore into the very streets of the city.

Their industry was exercised in the manufacture of articles of luxury rather than those of necessity.