Caria Definition

An ancient region in western Asia Minor, corresponding largely to the modern Turkish provinces of Muğla and Hatay. It was one of the main areas where the Greek city-states were established in the 8th century BCE, particularly along the coast. The region was known for its olive oil production and was part of the Persian Empire before becoming a partially independent district. Today, it is associated with the Dodecanese islands and the touristic and archaeological sites like Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus).