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Semi dependent rule in Caria (satraps and tyrants) 

The Carian cities came under the rule of Lydia in the 6th century BC. In 540 BC, the Persians gained control of the region, though their rule was determined by wars and uprisings that lasted for two centuries. Both under the reign of the Lydians and the Persians there was a relaxed form of autonomy. The region was ruled by satraps who were semi-dependent on the emperor of the ruling country. The cities were ruled by tyrants that were semi-dependent on that satrap and had a high level of autocracy.

In 334 BC, the Carian region was seized by Alexander the Great of Macedonia. Most of the cities, starting with Halikarnassos were destroyed and buried to the ground. In the 3rd century BC, after a short term of Egyptian rule, the area came under the Roman control.

In the era of Turkish kingdoms in Anatolia it was ruled by Menteşeoğulları for two centuries (1261-1451). Menteşoğulları had choosen Beçin Castle, near Milas, as their centre. In 1451, the Ottomans took over all of the area, barring the Bodrum region. In the 15th century, Halikarnassos had become a base for the Knights of St. John, who had their headquarters on Rhodes. Halikarnassos came into the Ottoman orbit during the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent at the time of his capture of Rhodes. The region, which had a large Greek population, was a part of the township of Menteşe, within the province of Aydın in the 19th century. Between 11 May 1919, and 5 July 1921, the area was occupied by Italian forces. After the foundation of the Republic of Turkey Menteşe became a province named as Muğla.