Sardis (also known as Sardes, Sfard in Lydian and Sparda in Persian) - modern name is Sart - in the Manisa Province of Turkey. Was the ancient capital of Lydia - an important city of the Persian Empire. One of the 'Seven Churches of Asia Minor'. Mentioned in the Book of Revelation in the Bible in terms that seem to imply its population was notoriously soft and faint-hearted. Importance due first to military strength, secondly on its situation on an important highway leading from the interior of Asia Minor to the Aegean coast, and thirdly to its commanding the wide and fertile Plain of the Hermus.