Bodrum History
First known as Halicarnassus, or Halicarnassos, the area around Bodrum was first colonized by the Dorians in the 11th Century BC, according to the great historian Herodotus, who lived in Halicarnassus. The bodrum peninsula was an island called Zephysia at that time, inhabited by the Dorians and the Carians. It was a member of the "Dorian Hexopolis," along with Knidos and Kos, as well as the Rhodes cities of Ialyssos, Kamiros, and Lindos.
Halicarnassos fell out of favor with the Dorian Hexopolis in the 6th Century BC, and was eventually expelled, since its society had more Ionian influence and culture than the leaders of the other cities would tolerate. It remained autonomous even later under Persian control.
Since ancient times, Bodrum has been famous for its boat building. In Icmeler today, you'll find Europe's largest wooden boat building yard. An 18-meter motor schooner, called a "gulet," can today be built from scratch in 8 to 12 months. Ptolemaus from Egypt had his warships made here in the 300s BC.
From 377 to 353 BC, a King Mausolus increased Halicarnasos' power, wealth, and influence and began to Helenize the city, since he was a fan of Greek culture. As in the custom of some ancient ruling families at the time, King Mausolus was married to his sister, Artemesia II. Mauselus is best remembered for the tomb he built for himself, which was finished by Artemesia, and which was known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today we call any large tomb a "Mausoleum."
There isn't much left of the Mausoleum these days, since it was cannibalized by the Knights of Saint John to build a castle, the more ornate parts of the tomb being taken to a museum in England. But you can still see the original site.
When Alexander invaded in 353 BC, the heirs to the throne were divided in a power struggle, and the city declined in power as the population dispersed throughout Caria. The city was of more minor importance under the control of the Romans and Byzantines.
In 1402, the Knights of Saint John came from Rhodes and built the castle of Saint Peter, which remains there today, to replace the castle in Smyrna which was lost to the Mongols. In 1523 when Suleyman the Great invaded Rhodes, the castle became untenable, and the Knights of Saint John abandoned it. The castle today remains as Bodrum's most prominent feature, and now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, as well as serving as a center for exhibits and Bodrum's annual festival.