CARIA (region)
Historical region of Asia Minor
- Kind of place
- Region
- Where
- 37.50° N, 28.00° E
Caria is located on the Asian coast bordering the Aegaean Sea. Strabo 2.5.21 The Maeander river flows through Caria on its way to the sea. Pausanias 2.5.3 Halicarnasus served as the royal seat for the dynasts of Caria. Strabo 14.2.16
Described in the sources
Ionian colonists established twelve coastal cities in Caria and Lydia, formerly inhabited by Carians and Leleges. Strabo 1.4.7 +2 Caria lies on the direct route from Rhodes to the Troad, with its coastal section opposite Rhodes extending 1500 stadia north of Eleus and Loryma. Strabo 14.2.1 +2 Mausolus was a petty king of Caria. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 24 ¶1 +1 The river Glaucus flows through the territory of Caria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶1 +1 The parallel line passing through Caria is identified by Eratosthenes. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 6.39 ¶5 +1 Halicarnassus, where the palace of Mausolus stands, is located in Caria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.6 ¶1 +1 The Maeander River separates Caria from Lydia at the plain of the Meander. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.30 ¶1 +1 The city of Caunus within this region initially refused to ally with the rebels. Athenaeus 3.9 +1 Polites, an Olympic runner, originated from the town of Ceramus located in Caria. Pausanias 6.13.3 +1 Remains of Lelegian settlements, fortifications, burial places, and deserted fortresses are found throughout Caria. Strabo 13.1.59 +1
Gods and worship
They are considered excellent workers despite their appearance. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 8.70 ¶1
Stories and history
The Ionians expelled the Carians and Leleges from their coastal territories to take possession of the country. Strabo 14.1.3 +1 Strabo argues against naming Caria as Troy. Strabo 12.8.7 Some authors mistakenly identify Lycians as Carians. Strabo 12.8.7 The Carians took possession of the Cyclades islands. Diodorus 5.84 Cyrnus founded a city in Caria that was named after him. Diodorus 5.60 The river Maeander waters the entire territory of Caria. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.31 ¶1 Some authors claim a nation of Pygmies formerly dwelt here. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶4 Water in Caria's White Plain is warm and sweeter than milk. Pausanias 4.35.11 Other towns in the area were conquered through military force. Herodotus 6.25.2 The cities within Caria were destroyed by a violent earthquake. Pausanias 8.43.4