Bible Dictionary
Caria
Caria was a rugged region of southwestern Asia Minor, including cities such as Miletus and Cnidus. It later formed part of the Roman province of Asia.
Definition
Caria was a rugged region in southwestern Asia Minor, extending generally between Lydia, Phrygia, Lycia, and the Aegean Sea. Its chief cities included Miletus and Cnidus.
Biblical Usage
Caria is associated with the missionary journeys of Paul and other apostles, although the biblical accounts name its cities rather than the region itself.
Historical Background
Caria lost its independence before 168 B.C., was made free by Rome in that year, and became part of the Roman province of Asia in 129 B.C. Its coastal cities were chiefly Greek, while its population was mixed.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the southern part of the region which int he New Testament is called Asia, and the southwestern part of the peninsula of Asia Minor. (Acts 20:15; 27:7)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ka'-ri-a (Karia): A country in the Southwest of Asia Minor which extended on the North to Lydia, on the East to Phrygia, on the South to Lycia, and the West to the Aegean Sea. Its borders, however, like those of most of the ancient countries of Asia Minor, were never definitely fixed; hence, the difficulty presented by the study of the political divisions. The general surface of the country is rugged, consisting of mountainous ridges running across it, and terminating as promontories jutting into the sea. Its history consists chiefly of that of its practically independent cities of which Miletus (Ac 20:15-20) and Cnidus (Ac 27:7) are the chief. For some time previous to 168 BC it had lost its independence, and belonged to the island of Rhodes, but in that year Rome made it again free. According to 1 Macc 15:23, Caria was one of several places to which the Roman senate in 139-138 BC sent letters in favor of the Jews, a fact showing that its population was mixed. Its coast cities, however, were peopled chiefly by Greeks. In 129 BC Caria became a part of the Roman province of Asia, and from that date its history coincides with that of the province. Though Paul and others of the apostles traversed Caria in their missionary journeys, only its cities are mentioned by name in that connection.</p><p>E. J. Banks</p>