Croesus
heroCroesus was the fabulously wealthy king of Lydia whose encounter with the Athenian sage Solon — "count no man happy until he is dead" — became the defining parable of Greek ethical thought.
The Myth
Croesus showed Solon his treasures and asked who was the happiest man alive, expecting to hear his own name. Solon named obscure men who died well. Croesus was offended. Later, when Croesus was defeated by Cyrus of Persia and about to be burned alive, he cried out "Solon!" three times. Cyrus asked why. Croesus explained Solon's wisdom. Cyrus spared him. The story taught that wealth is not happiness, and fate can reverse everything in an instant.
Parents
Alyattes
Children
Atys
Symbols
Fun Fact
"Rich as Croesus" remains a common English expression — over 2,500 years after the king lost everything.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
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