 It interprets Bacchylides' narration as Croesus attempting suicide and then being saved by Cyrus.Recently, Stephanie West has argued that the historical Croesus did in fact die on the pyre, and that the stories of him as a wise advisor to the courts of Cyrus and Cambyses are purely legendary, showing similarities to the sayings of Ahiqar.After defeating Croesus, the Persians adopted gold as the main metal for their coins.