Mylasa

Mylasa, also spelled Mylāsā in Greek and Milas in Turkish, was an ancient city in Caria, located in southwestern Anatolia. The archaeological site is identified with the area near the modern town of Milas in Muğla Province, Turkey.

Historically, Mylasa was a notable local center during the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods. It lay within the Persian-controlled satrapy of Caria and later came under the influence of Greek and then Roman rule as the region underwent political and cultural transitions. In the Roman and late antique eras the city continued to function as an urban settlement, reflecting the broader patterns of southwestern Anatolia's administration and religion. The city is known from inscriptions and material remains that show a blend of Carian and Greek cultural elements.

Archaeology at the site has revealed remains such as an acropolis, a theatre, city walls, and temple precincts, indicating public and religious activity consistent with Greek urban planning. Inscriptions and monuments point to a religious landscape that combined local Carian practices with Greek cults, illustrating the cross-cultural character of Mylasa in antiquity. The site provides insight into civic organization and local religious life, with material remains spanning from the late Classical period into late antiquity.

Modern significance and research: The Mylasa site has been investigated intermittently since the 19th century, contributing to the understanding of Carian cities and their integration into Hellenistic and Roman networks. The nearby Turkish town of Milas preserves the toponym and maintains a geographic link to the ancient city.