Alyattes I was a king of Lydia, an ancient kingdom located in what is now western Turkey. He ruled from around 619 to 560 BCE and is known for his military campaigns and efforts to expand Lydia's territory. His reign marked a period of prosperity and cultural development, contributing to the rise of the Lydian Empire. Alyattes I is often associated with the invention of coinage, which later influenced trade and economy in the region. He was the father of Croesus, another famous Lydian king known for his wealth. Alyattes I's legacy includes the establishment of a strong centralized state in Lydia.