HALICARNASSUS (city in Caria)
Ancient Greek city in Caria, present day Bodrum in Turkey
- Kind of place
- City
- Region
- Caria
- Where
- 37.04° N, 27.42° E
A remarkable tomb for the king Mausolus is located in this city. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 24 ¶1 Halicarnassus is identified as the home city of the author Herodotus. Herodotus 1.1.pr The palace walls there were covered with marble from Proconnesus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 36.6 ¶1
Described in the sources
The Pedaseans lived in the inland area situated above Halicarnassus. Herodotus 1.175.1 +1 Artemisia, daughter of Lygdamis, was a queen of Halicarnassus and led its men. Herodotus 7.99.2 +1 Halicarnassus is a town located in the region of Caria, situated between the gulfs of Ceramus and Iasus along the third parallel circle. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.29 ¶3 +1 Demodamas wrote a history specifically about this city. Athenaeus 15.30 The island of Pidosus is situated not far from the city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.36 ¶2 Founded by Anthes, who had held the land of Troezen before. Strabo 8.6.14 The island of Cos is located fifteen miles away from the city. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 5.36 ¶2 Phormio, a boxer who won at the previous festival, was from this city. Pausanias 5.21.3 The interior region of the country belonged to the people of Halicarnassus. Strabo 13.1.59 The island of Zephyrium was added to the mainland territory of Halicarnassus. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 2.91 ¶1
Stories and history
The Persians captured Halicarnassus long before Alexander's time. Strabo 14.1.7 Halicarnassus was taken by storm, sharing the same fate as Miletus. Strabo 14.1.7 Halicarnassus was barred from using the temple by five other cities. Herodotus 1.144.3 The residents of this city brag about the tomb to visiting strangers. Lucian, Dialogues of the Dead 24 ¶1 Wine from this place sometimes causes stomach griping and flatulency. Athenaeus 1.59 The city faced a penalty because its citizen Agasicles stole a tripod. Herodotus 1.144.3 The palace of King Mausolus was still standing at the time of writing. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 35.49 ¶2 Wine from this location opens the bowels and assists in food digestion. Athenaeus 1.59 The wine from this city is characterized by being prepared with sea-water. Athenaeus 1.59 The Romans named their impressive tombs after the famous monument found here. Pausanias 8.16.4