Bodrum is a popular resort city at the southern shores of Bodrum Peninsula.

 

In ancient Greek times the city was known as Halicarnassus and was supposedly founded by Poseidon's son Anthes.

 

Queen Arthemesia I of Halicarnassus  fought bravely for  Xerxes I at the naval battle of Salamis in 480 BC. When the battle was lost she managed to escape by attacking her own side.

 

Mausolus ruled from here and died in 353 BC, after which his sister and widow Artemesia II built a mausoleum for him.

This 45 meter high tomb became one of the Seven Wonders of the Old World.

 

The Knights of Rhodes arrived here in 1402 and used material from the ruined mausoleum to build the Petronium, a stronghold now known as Bodrum Castle.

 

In August 1996 we relaxed a couple of days at Bodrum to hit the beach and do some diving. The beach was fine but unfortunately the underwater views turned out to be mediocre.