According to Heredot, Halikarnassos was established by Legels in 200 BC. Later, Dors, Carians, Persians, Greeks, Mikens, Romans and Byzantines, respectively lived in this area. The Turks occupied the city in the 13th century.

Mousoleon

One of the oldest places of Bodrum is Mausoleon. Halikarnassos was the capital of Caria. When the mayor of the city King Mausolos ( 377 – 353 BC ) died, his wife and sister Artemisia had a mausoleum built for him. This mausoleum was so beautiful that it was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. However, the statues of Artemsia and Mausolos were unfortunately later taken to British Museum. The panel with statue, one of the pieces of Mauseleon is exhibited at Bodrum Underwater Archeological Museum.

Bodrum Castle

The Knights of Saint John from Rhodes established Bodrum Castle in 1415. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman later took this castle, in 1522, from the knights during his Rhodes campaign.

The catsle has been the symbol of Bodrum for many years. Today there are several shops, a tower and a world famous underwater museum inside it.

Antique Theater

The antique Theater is 2 km away from the castle. It belongs to the Hellenistic period and its capacity is 13000 people. Today several festivals are organised there. There are hundreds of Roman graves behind the antique theater.

Bodrum Nights

Nigtlife in Bodrum is very lively and wonderful. There are many bars and discos for entertainment which are open until the early hours of morning.