or MYLASA (Melasso), a noble city of Caria in Asia Minor, situated about three leagues from the Sinus Ceramicus, in a beautiful plain at the foot of a steep mountain, containing fine white marble, of which its buildings were composed. It was the capital of Hecatomnus, King of Caria and father of Mausolus, and the birthplace and residence of the Carian kings before Halicarnassus became the capital. The chief citizens of Mylasa were made priests of Zeus for life; and the splendour of its temples was the wonder of all who visited it. Caria was taken by Mithridates, and afterwards by Labienus, whose father had been one of Caesar's generals. Hybriss, whose eloquence and valour entitled him to a distinguished rank amongst his countrymen, in vain encouraged them to make an obstinate defence. He himself was obliged to yield to necessity, and to take refuge at Rhodes; but scarcely had the conqueror quitted the city, when Hybriss returned and restored liberty to his country. Pliny calls it Mylasa libera; and Strabo informs us that it was one of the most magnificent cities of antiquity, and that its temples, porticoes, and other public monuments were highly admired. When Pococke visited this place it was comparatively perfect, but at present few traces of it remain. (See Leake's Asia Minor, and Fellows' Journal and Discoveries.)