v32_0047 - CARIA - HALIKARNASSOS Drachme

CARIA - HALICARNASSUS

(2nd - 1st century BC)

The city of Halicarnassus was located on the northeast coast of the island of Cos. It is the homeland of Herodotus, the father of history. The city was founded by the Greeks, but it fell under the domination of the satraps of Caria. Hekatomnos (395-377 AC.) was satrap of Caria and took part in the second war in Asia Minor. His son Mausolus (377-353 AC.), who succeeded him, is much better known for the mausoleum that his widow, Artemisia, had built for him in order to perpetuate his memory and which was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was Hidrieus, the second son of Hekatomnos, who succeeded him and continued the coinage established by his brother at Halicarnassus. Pixodare, the last son of Hekatomnos, succeeded the widow of Hidrieus, Ada (344-340 AC.). He was eliminated in 334 BC. The following year, Rhoontopates, the last satrap of Caria, was deposed by Alexander the Great who seized Halicarnassus. The city, after this date lost much of its importance.