Early Centuries Caria region was first inhabited by the Lelegs and Carians, indigenous populations, as early as 3000 BC. More than 20 ancient cities, inhabited by Carians and Lelegs, still bear witness to glorious past of the region.
Persian Period In 6th century BC Persians as part of their occupation policy of Anatolia attacked to Caria. They defeated Carian army near Cine River and advanced towards the heart of Caria.
Queen Artemisia Artemisia, the queen of Caria was among those who helped the Persian king during his campaign during the capture of Athens.
King Mausolos After several rulers, in 377 BC, King Mausolos started ruling Caria. His reign was Golden Age of Caria. King Mausolos moved the capital from Mylasa to Halicarnasos during the 10th year of his reign. He embellished his new capital with very attractive buildings. He had city walls and theatre built and laid the foundations of his monumental tomb. when King Mousalos died, his sister wife ruled Caria.
Artemisia II Most important mission of Artemisia was to finish monumental her husbands tomb which was later ranked as one of the seven wonders of the world. Artemisia who rule only two years also proved that she was wise and a fearless leader.
Alexander The Great Eventually, Alexander's army captured the city and following the order of their king, they destroyed whole city except the monumental tomb of king Mausolos. Ada, former queen of Caria regained power and became the queen of Caria.
Carian Princess Ada Exiled queen Ada who had been trying to return her throne met Alexander the Great and ask for his help. Alexander, who was accustomed to see cities and people surrendering without any condition up to this point, had a strong resistance at Halicarnasus. The city had strong wall and mods filled with the water. The siege lasted 3 months during when Carians and Persians came of the city and attacked to Alexander's army. But this attacks ended at a disastrous way and many soldiers were killed by Macedonians.
Roman Period in Caria In 129 BC BC, Caria region became totally under the Roman rule. During first Century BC. Roman writer Vitrivius visited the city and described Halicarnasus in full detail giving information about the city and its monuments. The city was looted by Roman Verres in 80 BC.
Byzantine Period in Bodrum During the Byzantine Empire Caria region became an Episcopal center. Capital city was Aprodisias which had control over 25 bishopric centers in Caria. During the Byzantine period many former pagan temples were converted into churches.
Seljuk Turks in Bodrum After the Manzikert Battle where Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine armies, Turkish armies occupied Anatolia . Bodrum was also captured during this time. Although the area was re captured during the first Crusiade, Mentese Bey leading the Turkish army established order ın the region and chose Milas and Peçin as the center of his Beylik.
Ottoman Turks in Bodrum Knight of Rhodes understanding the importance of Halicarnasos, they rebuilt an immense fortress there. During the construction they even used the stones of the Mausolum as the construction material. Halicarnasus stayed under the rule of Knights of Rhodes till the campaign of Suleyman the magnificent who took the control of the region after the capture of Rhodes.
