Ardys of Lydia

During Ardys' reign, the Cimmerians captured and sacked the Lydian capital Sardis, except for the citadel. This event demonstrated Lydian military weakness and forced Ardys to pay tribute to the invaders.

Ardys continued the war against the Greek city of Miletus that his father Gyges had started. The conflict involved raids and counter-raids, contributing to Lydian expansion into Ionia.

Ardys renewed Lydia's tributary relationship with Assyria, sending gifts to Ashurbanipal. This alliance provided some protection against the Cimmerians and maintained Lydia's position in the Assyrian sphere.