When Alexander the Great and his armies sacked the Achaemenid Persian capital of Persepolis in 330 B.C.E., one ancient historian reported, they found gold, silver, and valuables in such quantities that ten thousand mules and five hundred camels were needed to carry away the spoils. Like the stories of Midas's golden touch and the riches of Croesus, this ancient account reminds us that the metallic wealth of Near Eastern kings was legendary, arousing both envy and awe. next page Suggested Resources

Ewer with female figure Iran, 6th–7th century Silver and gilt; height 35.5 cm (14 in.) Gift of Arthur M. Sackler    S1987.117

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