The ancient city of Sardes next to Izmir was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, whose founding, accordingly to the records of Herodot, goes back to the dynasty of Herakleids that saw themselves as descendants of Hercules.

Together with our friends Tony and Linda we decided for a short spring trip from Izmir that would take us to the Bozdağ ski resort just little outside the city of Izmir.

The ancient city of Sardis, which was known as the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, is situated near the present day village of Sart in the province of Manisa. The remains are located on either side of the Ankara - Izmir highway 85 kilometres east of the major city of Izmir.