Gyges , the first Lydian king of the dynasty of the Mermnadae. He was originally a chief officer at the court of his predecessor Can-daules. According to Herodotus, Candaules was proud of the beauty of his queen, and insisted that Gyges should conceal himself in her chamber in order to see her naked. Gyges reluctantly obeyed, and was seen by the queen as he glided from her apartment. She was indignant at this insult, and sending for Gyges gave him the choice of being immediately put to death or of killing her husband. Gyges chose the latter alternative, and after slaying his sovereign he shared the Lydian throne with his former mistress. His reign commenced about 716 B. C, and lasted 38 years. The wealth of Gyges, like that of his successor Croesus, was proverbial. He sent magnificent presents to Delphi, and carried on wars with Miletus, Smyrna, Colophon, Magnesia, and other cities of Asia Minor. - According to a story recorded by Plato, Gyges was the shepherd of Candaules, and found in an earthquake gap a great brazen horse containing a corpse with a golden ring, by means of which he could render himself invisible at will.

With this power he destroyed Candaules and usurped his throne.