Turkey - Caria

Caria is one of the richest regions in the ancient Mediterranean world. The sheer number and diversity of sites mean that it is possible to have access to an extremely diversified range of information and documents (relating to architecture, urban planning, epigraphy, numismatics, etc.) By following routes already pioneered by L. Robert and other French researchers, a group - established at Centre Georges Radet and subsequently incorporated into to the AUSONIUS mixed research unit at Michel de Montaigne-Bordeaux III University - undertook systematic survey work in the area located at the centre of the Caria region, to the north of the Ceramic Gulf. The survey was gradually extended as far as the Meander River.

Our Franco-Turkish team has been working in Caria for over 10 Years. From 1995, our research has focused entirely on sites which could be defined as being of average size in comparison to the major ancient conurbations closer to the coast, including Ephesus, Miletus and Pergamum. However, these sites have equal claim to being, at least from the Hellenistic period onwards, Greek cities or cities according to the Greek model with the monumental range to match (theatre, agora, gymnasium, porticos, etc.) and an almost standard set of institutions. Through our study, we hope to re-establish the identities of Harpasa, Orthosia and Bargasa.

We have chosen to focus lastly on Hyllarima. This community appeared very early on in history, since Hyllarima-Wallarima featured in Hittite chronicles in the 2nd millennium BC. Prior to being gradually assimilated into Greek culture (from the 4th century BC) Hyllarima was Carian, as indicated by one particular bilingual inscription (Carian-Greek). Following various ups and downs, due in particular to Rhodian domination of the region, it became - or once more became - a fully functional city.

Field of study: Epigraphy and archaeology in Caria (Mugla and Aydin provinces) from the classical era to the end of the Byzantine period. Survey of remains, soundings, archaeological map, epigraphy, numismatics and a summary of regional history.

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