The Lydian kingdom was one of great antiquity in this part of Asia.

According to traditions current among its people, it had been established more than seven hundred years at the time when Cyaxares pushed his conquests to its borders.

Three dynasties of native kings--Atyadse, Heraclidse, and Mermnadae--had successively held the throne during that period.

The Lydians could repeat the names of at least thirty monarchs who had borne sway in Sardis, their capital city, since its foundation.

They had never been conquered.