The origins of Milas are uncertain and the many theories are largely unsubstantiated. What is clear is that its most

notewothy and prosperous period was when it was capital of Caria and the administrative seat for the Persian satrap(subordinate ruler),

Mausolus,Like most Carian cities, Milas was ruled in turn by the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans and the Byzantines before finally falling under Ottoman control in 1425

The remains of the ancient city lie within the present town centre. The first thing you notice is the two-storey Gümüşkesen(silver money bag) Mausoleum, a structure of uncertain age.

The lower floor is the actual tomb, with an aperture in the roof to providesustenance to the deceased.The town's most intact monument is the handsome Baltılı(Axe) Gate.

As an administrative seat, Milas issued regulatory decrees, notably concerning money. Inscriptions dating from the 3rd century AD list detailed regulations that ban illegal conversions from imperial(Roman) to local money and black- market money dealings.

Save some time for modern Milas, which has some charminh timber houses with lattice- work shutters. The town is justly famed for its carpets, characterized by soft neutral and beige tones.

Population : 42.000

Airport : 13 km (8 miles) SW of town

Dolmus Terminus : intercity buses to Bodrum