Gyges of Lydia despatching a Letter to Ashur-bani-pal (litho)

Gyges of Lydia despatching a Letter to Ashur-bani-pal. The kingdom of Phrygia had been overthrown by the barbarous Cimmerians, who preceded the Scythians in their invasion of Western Asia. Gyges of Lydia at first successfully repulsed them, and he despatched a message to Ashur-bani-pal at Nineveh asking him for aid in the struggle. But the Assyrians gave no help, and later on Gyges met his death in battle against the barbarians about 650 BC. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.