Anatolia spans from Paleolithic to classical civilisation in 1st millennium BC. Stone Age (2.5 million years ago-2000 BC) featured widespread stone tool use. Paleolithic remains found in caves including Yarimburgaz and Karain. Çatalhöyük (7250-6750 BC) is considered most advanced Neolithic settlement
Persian accounts trace Phoenician-Greek conflict to Io's capture at Argos. Greeks later attacked Phoenician king's daughter Europé and Medea. Alexander sought Helen as prize, leading to Greek-Persian conflict
Electrum is a naturally occurring gold-silver alloy with trace amounts of copper. Color ranges from pale to bright yellow depending on gold-silver proportions. Name comes from Greek word ἤλεκτρον, mentioned in Odyssey
Lydia was located in western Asia Minor, bordering Caria, Phrygia, and Mysia. Kingdom was rich in silver and gold from Pactolus River. Produced fine textiles and leather goods. Had Indo-European language with Greek-like alphabet until 1st century BCE
Persians claim first war began with Io's rape by Phenicians. Hellenes later accused Cretans of rape Europa and Colchis of rape Medea. Alexander's rape of Helen led to Hellenic retaliation. Hellenes set example by invading Asia before Barbarians