Sardis Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Sardis
History
Σάρδεις
The Greek gymnasium of Sardis
Location in Turkey
Alternative name	Sardes
Location	Sart, Manisa Province, Turkey
Region	Lydia
Coordinates	38°29′18″N 28°02′25″E / 38.48833°N 28.04028°E / 38.48833; 28.04028
Type	Settlement
Abandoned	Around 1402 AD
Cultures	Greek, Lydian, Persian, Roman
Site notes
Excavation dates	1910–1914, 1922, 1958–present
Archaeologists	Howard Crosby Butler, G.M.A. Hanfmann, Crawford H. Greenewalt, jr., Nicholas Cahill
Condition	Ruined
Ownership	Public
Public access	Yes
Website	Archaeological Exploration of Sardis

Sardis was an important ancient city in what is now Turkey. It was once the capital of the powerful kingdom of Lydia. Sardis was known for being very rich. People believed it was the first place to make coins from metal.

This city played a big role in ancient history. It was conquered by different empires over time. These included the Persian Empire, the Greeks, and the Romans. Today, you can visit the ruins of Sardis. They show how grand the city once was.

Where is Sardis Located?
The Rich Kingdom of Lydia
Persian and Greek Rule
Roman and Byzantine Times
Archaeological Discoveries
Images for kids
See also

Where is Sardis Located?

Sardis is found in western Turkey. It sits in the Hermus River valley. This area is known for its fertile land. The city was built near the Pactolus River. This river was famous for carrying gold flakes. This gold helped make Sardis very wealthy.

The location was also good for trade. Many important roads crossed through Sardis. This made it a busy center for goods and ideas.

The Rich Kingdom of Lydia

Sardis became the capital of Lydia around the 7th century BC. The Lydians were very skilled people. They were known for their wealth. Their most famous king was Croesus. He ruled in the 6th century BC. King Croesus was legendary for his immense riches. People still say "as rich as Croesus" today.

Lydia was also famous for its inventions. The Lydians were the first to use gold and silver coins. This made trading much easier. Before coins, people traded goods directly. Coins helped build a strong economy.

Persian and Greek Rule

In 547 BC, the Persian Empire conquered Sardis. Cyrus the Great led the Persian army. Sardis then became an important city for the Persians. It was a key stop on the Royal Road. This road connected the Persian Empire.

Later, Alexander the Great took Sardis in 334 BC. This brought Greek culture to the city. Sardis became a center of Greek learning. Many Greek-style buildings were built.

Roman and Byzantine Times

The Roman Empire took control of Sardis in 133 BC. Under Roman rule, Sardis continued to grow. They built many impressive structures. These included a large gymnasium and a synagogue. The gymnasium was a place for exercise and learning. The synagogue was a place of worship for the Jewish community.

The large Bath-Gymnasium complex at Sardis.

After the Roman Empire split, Sardis became part of the Byzantine Empire. This was the eastern part of the Roman Empire. The city remained important for centuries. It had many churches and shops. However, its importance slowly faded over time. The city was finally abandoned around 1402 AD.

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists have been digging at Sardis for many years. They started serious excavations in 1910. These digs have uncovered amazing ruins. They found parts of the Lydian city. They also found large Roman buildings.

One of the most exciting finds is the Sardis Synagogue. It is one of the largest ancient synagogues ever found. It shows that many different cultures lived together in Sardis. The ruins help us understand daily life in this ancient city.