Lydia

Lydia (Ancient Greek: Λυδία, romanized: Ludía; Latin: Lȳdia) was a powerful Iron Age civilization prominent in western Anatolia in the 8th to 6th centuries BCE. Its capital and only city was Sardis. They are known in part for the world's first coinage, and rapid expansion based on their immense wealth in gold. They established cultural, economic, military, and diplomatic relations with the Greeks to their west, and the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Phrygians, and others to the east and south.

The Lydian civilization had their own Indo-European language and an independent religious system. Their capital, Sardis, is known for its layout and architectural design; its terracing method influenced the planning of other multi-level cities. The ancient burial mounds at Bin Tepe are among the largest on Earth.