Although archaeologists George Bean and Cook claimed no settlements earlier than Dorian Colonization in the Caria region, recent discoveries in the Bodrum region have revealed that the area had been inhabited as early as the Neolithic Age. Archeologist Annelise Peshlow discovered many Neolithic Age paintings on the vertical walls of Latmos Mountain rocks and Neolithic Age pottery. It was the first time Anneliese Peschlow-Bindokat discovered Neolithic paintings in Western Anatolia, which changed the history of Caria.
The Discovery of the Chalcolithic, the Bronze Age Settlements, and the Mycenaean Pottery at various archaeological sites indicate early cultures in the region. The Caria region was later inhabited by the Lelegs and Carians, who considered themselves the indigenous people of Caria. More than 20 ancient cities inhabited by Carians and Lelegs still witness the region’s glorious past.
Carians, good sailors, skilled boat builders, and fearless soldiers, were employed by many other nations as mercenaries.
During the early centuries, the Caria region became a vassal state under the Hittite Empire, known as Mira Area. Near Bafa Lake, on the Latmos Mountain, a Hittite border inscription in Hittite Hieroglyph Writing was discovered with the name of a Hittite Prince Kupanta Kurintina. This inscription shows the Hittite Empire’s border extending to Caria through its vassal states.
Ancient sources indicate that the Carians sided with the Trojans during the famous Trojan War and were part of the alliance formed mainly by Anatolian cities and people.
During the Kades Battle, between the Hittites and Egyptian armies, the Carians fought for the Hittites, and the war ended with a famous Kades Peace Treaty.
According to the historian Herodotus, the Carians served as mercenaries under the legendary King Minos’ rule and built ships for him.