Exploring the Rich History of Bodrum: From the Carians to Modern Day Tourism

 

Bodrum, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and stunning views. But beyond its current reputation, Bodrum has a long and rich history that spans thousands of years.

The first known settlers in the region were the Carians, an ancient Anatolian people who lived in the area around 1000 BCE. They were followed by the Greeks, who established the city of Halicarnassus in the 7th century BCE. Halicarnassus became an important center of trade and culture in the region, and its most famous resident was the historian Herodotus.

In the 4th century BCE, Halicarnassus came under the control of the Mausolus dynasty. Mausolus was a powerful ruler who transformed the city into a center of art and architecture. He built a grand palace and commissioned the construction of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Mausoleum was a magnificent structure, decorated with sculptures and reliefs, and it became a symbol of the power and wealth of the Mausolus dynasty.

After the decline of the Mausolus dynasty, Halicarnassus was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BCE. The city passed through the hands of various rulers, including the Seleucids, the Ptolemies, and the Romans. During the Roman period, Halicarnassus became a thriving port city and a center of commerce and culture.

In the 13th century CE, the city was conquered by the Seljuk Turks, who gave it its current name, Bodrum. They built a castle on the site of the ancient Mausoleum, which still stands today and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Bodrum. The castle was later expanded by the Knights of St. John, who used it as a stronghold during their battles against the Ottoman Empire.