The Greeks of Asia minor and the Persian empire

• Greek states had been established along the coast of Asia Minor (Ionia) for centuries
• The freedom of these Greek states was precarious since they lacked political unity
• 560 BC - Wealthy kingdom of Lydia under King Croesus subjugated all of Asia Minor apart from Miletus
• Croesus was sympathetic to Greek ideas of freedom and individualism, and so respected Greek gods and customs