Meles of Lydia facts for kids
Meles (also known as Myrsus) was a king who lived in the ancient kingdom of Lydia around the 8th century BC. He is considered "semi-historical" because we know about him from old stories and writings, but there isn't a lot of solid proof like artifacts or official records to confirm every detail of his life.
Who Was King Meles?
Meles was an important ruler in Lydia, a powerful kingdom located in what is now modern-day Turkey. He was part of a ruling family called the Heraclid dynasty. A dynasty is a series of rulers who come from the same family.
The Heraclid Dynasty
The Heraclid dynasty was a long line of kings who ruled Lydia for many years. According to an ancient Greek historian named Herodotus, Meles was the 21st king in this family line. He was also the second-to-last (or "penultimate") king of the Heraclid dynasty.
Meles's Successor
After King Meles, his son, Candaules, became the next ruler of Lydia. Candaules ruled until around 687 BC. The change from Meles to Candaules marked an important moment in the history of the Lydian kingdom.