CARIA

The mountainous region of Caria in southwestern Anatolia was known for its unique language and culture. Under Persian rule, the region was governed by powerful local satraps such as Maussollos, who built one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Bodrum). This period witnessed the region's most brilliant artistic and architectural achievements.

Carian Mints

Caria is a numismatically rich region, home to over 50 mints. Key mints include Alabanda, Aphrodisias, Halicarnassus, Iasos, Kaunos, Cnidus, Mylasa, and the island mints of Rhodes (Rhodos) and Kos (Istankoy).

Cnidus

Cnidus was a city renowned for its statue of Aphrodite, crafted by Praxiteles, one of the ancient world's most famous sculptors. This religious and artistic identity was also reflected in the city's coinage. The obverse of Cnidian coins typically features the head of Aphrodite, the city's patron goddess. The reverse depicts the forepart of a lion, symbolizing the city's power. This iconography collectively represents Cnidus's elegance and cultural sophistication (Aphrodite) as well as its strength and sovereignty (lion).