Re-dating the Fall of Sardis

A re-evaluation of ancient chronographic sources challenges the traditional date of 546 BC for the Fall of Sardis to the Persians, instead supporting a range between 544/3 and 540/39 BC. Analysis of Greek fragments, including those from the Parian Marble, reveals an earlier Lydian king list, potentially originating from the historian Xanthus, which places the event as low as 542/1 or 541/0 BC. Additionally, a new reading of the Nabonidus Chronicle corrects the assumption that Cyrus attacked Lydia in Year 9 (547/6 BC), further narrowing the possible timeline. This study underscores the importance of re-examining ancient texts and chronological records to refine historical narratives.

Kokkinos, N. (2020). Re-dating the Fall of Sardis. Scripta Classica Israelica, 28, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.71043/sci.v28i.3215