The richest man in the ancient world consulted an oracle before attacking Persia. The oracle said he'd 'destroy a great empire.' He did — his own.
Croesus (died c. 547 BC) was king of Lydia in what is now western Turkey, and was famed across the ancient world as the wealthiest man alive. His name became synonymous with extraordinary riches — the phrase 'rich as Croesus' is still used in English today, 2,500 years later.
Croesus is credited with minting some of the world's first standardized gold coins, the 'croeseids.' Before coinage, trade relied on weighing precious metals or bartering. His innovation of consistent, government-stamped gold currency helped transform commerce across the ancient Mediterranean world.
At the height of his power, Croesus was the patron of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. He donated its elaborately carved marble columns and offered enormous gifts to the Oracle at Delphi, buying himself privileged consulting rights and cementing Lydia's prestige throughout the Greek world.
Before invading Persia, Croesus consulted the Oracle at Delphi and received one of history's most famous prophecies: he would 'destroy a great empire' if he attacked. Interpreting this as a blessing, he launched his campaign. He was defeated by Cyrus the Great, and the empire he destroyed was his own.
After the fall of Sardis, Cyrus reportedly condemned Croesus to be burned alive. According to legend, as the flames were lit, Croesus called out the name of the Athenian sage Solon — who had once warned him that no man's happiness could be judged until after his death. Cyrus, intrigued, reportedly spared him and kept Croesus as his royal advisor.