Aesop for Friday, January 18

Have you ever heard of the wealth of Croesus? Well it is not a myth! There was really a King of Lydia, the last one in fact, who ruled from 560 to 546 BC. He captured major Greek cities in Western Anatolia and planned to conquor the rest of the Greek islands in the Aegean when he found himself at war with the Persians, who forced him back to his capital city of Sardis.

One report claims that when he was captured by Cyrus (the Great) he was condemned to be burned, but was rescued by Apollo and ended up in Egypt. Other sources say he made a peaceful transition and eventually became a governor in the Persian empire.

Was he as wealthy as the reports? Archaeological findings at Sardis indicate the existence of an enormous gold-refining operation that seems to confirm Craesus's role in the creation of pure gold coins. Before this time, coins were made of an alloy called electrum that contained 20-35% silver. The trade value of the alloy fluctuated too much as a result. Craesus oversaw the purification of gold and silver and created the first official government coinage by certifying the weight of the gold in coins.

What does this have to do with Aesop? Plutarch, another great historian of ancient times, reported that Croesus surrounded himself with many wise counselors, including Aesop and Solon. Solon was the King's personal tutor, but none were held in as high esteem as Aesop. He was sent on several missions throughout the countryside teaching the people.

Jupiter and the Camel

The camel once upon a time complained to Jupiter that he was not as well served as he ought to be in the means of defense and offense.

"The Bull," said he, "has horns; the Boar, tusks; and the Lion and Tiger, formidable claws and fangs that make them feared and respected on all sides. I, on the other hand, have to put up with the abuse of all who choose to insult me."

Jupiter angrily told him that if he would take the trouble to think, he would see that he was given qualities shared by no other Beast; and that, as a punishment for his foolish complaint, his ears should be shortened.

Man does not always know what is best for him.

 

Part 1: The Fables of Aesop

Part 2: Aesop for Thursday, January 17

 

*Materials taken from Fables of Aesop

'Based on the texts of L'Estrange and Croxall'