Arbasus

Arbasus is an ancient city located in Caria, a region in southwestern Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Its precise location is debated, but it is generally placed within the area near the Maeander River (modern-day Büyük Menderes River). Historical sources mention Arbasus in connection with various military campaigns and political shifts within the region.

Arbasus appears in accounts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is known primarily through mentions in the writings of historians like Polybius and Livy, who discuss the city's involvement in conflicts between various Hellenistic kingdoms and later during the Roman expansion into Asia Minor.

The city's significance likely stemmed from its strategic location within Caria, making it a point of contention between competing powers. While not considered one of the major cities of Caria like Miletus or Halicarnassus, Arbasus played a role in the regional dynamics of the time.

Archaeological evidence for Arbasus is limited, and its remains have not been definitively identified or extensively excavated. This makes it difficult to reconstruct a detailed picture of the city's physical layout, economy, and social structure. Further archaeological research is needed to better understand the history and significance of Arbasus.