Caria was the ancient Greek name for the mountainous southwestern region of Anatolia, extending from the southern reaches of the Meander River to Kaunos, encircled by Ionia, Phrygia, and Lycia.
The region reached its zenith during the 4th century B.C. under the reign of Hecatomnus. Mylasa (modern Milas) served as the capital of Caria until Maussollos, son of Hecatomnus and virtual ruler of the region, transferred the capital to Halicarnassus (modern Bodrum).
During this prosperous era, cities throughout Caria were developed according to Greek cultural principles and embellished with magnificent works of art. Halicarnassus, Labranda, Knidos, and Mylasa became prominent cultural and architectural centers of the period.
Following the death of Alexander the Great, Caria was incorporated first into the Seleucid Empire, then into the Pergamum Kingdom. In 133 B.C., the region became part of the Roman Province of Asia.
In the 13th century A.D., Caria was conquered by the Turks under the Menteşe Dynasty, marking the beginning of Turkish sovereignty in the region.