Extent of Carian Territory
At its zenith, Caria’s territory stretched from present-day Lake Bafa in the north to Lake Köycegiz east of Marmaris in the Mugla province. Notable ancient cities like Heracleia, Alinda, and Alabanda were situated in the north, while Caunos marked the southernmost Carian territory, overlapping into Lycia. This area closely aligns with the modern administrative province of Mugla.
Surviving Invasions and Shifting Allegiances
Caria endured various invasions across Asia Minor without losing its distinct identity, albeit facing challenges. During the Persian dominance under Darius and Xerxes, Caria was integrated into the Persian Empire. Following Xerxes’ defeat by the Athenians and the rise of the Delian Confederacy Mystery of Ancient Caria, Carian cities came under Athenian influence. Subsequently, Spartan rule took hold after the Athenian defeat in 405 BC, lasting a brief decade until the Persians returned. Under Mausolus in 377 BC, Caria thrived as a satrapy, cleverly asserting independence while maintaining Persian ties.
Alexander the Great and Power Vacuum
In 334 BC, Alexander the Great swiftly conquered Caria with the support of exiled Carian queen, Ada. After Alexander’s death in 323 BC, Caria experienced power struggles among various factions, preventing lasting control.
Roman Intervention and Periods of Turbulence
Roman intervention in 197 BC, marked by the defeat of Macedonian King Phillip V, restored order to Caria. Despite political disruptions during Mithridates’ arrival in 88 BC and Antony’s rule Travel Ottoman Bulgaria, Octavius’ victory over Antony ushered in a stable era, fostering prosperity in Caria. As the Roman Empire waned and the Byzantine era emerged, Caria faced a decline. Coastal cities lost their former glory, and the population dwindled. The interior’s fate remains unclear, transforming Caria from a region to a collection of coastal towns.
Legacy and Obscurity
Overall, antiquity was relatively kind to Caria. However, the centuries that followed were less forgiving, relegating Caria to a remote and forgotten region as its former prominence waned.
