Biography:
Artemisia I of Caria (Ancient Greek: Ἀρτεμισία; fl. 480 BC) was a queen of the ancient Greek city-state of Halicarnassus, which is now in Bodrum, present-day Turkey. She was also queen of the nearby islands of Kos, Nisyros, and Kalymnos, within the Achaemenid satrapy of Caria, around 480 BC. Born into a Carian-Greek family, her father was Lygdamis I, the satrap of Halicarnassus, and her mother was from the island of Crete. Artemisia is best known for her role as an ally of Xerxes I, the King of Persia, during the second Persian invasion of Greece.
When Xerxes launched his invasion of Greece in 480 BC, Artemisia bravely fought on his side. She personally commanded a fleet of five ships, which participated in the naval battles of Artemisium and Salamis. Herodotus, a native of Halicarnassus, wrote about her courage and the respect she gained from Xerxes. Artemisia’s strategic advice to Xerxes during the Battle of Salamis is particularly noteworthy. While other commanders urged the Persian king to attack the Greek fleet under unfavorable conditions, Artemisia advised against it. Despite her warning, Xerxes chose to engage, and Artemisia displayed exceptional leadership skills during the battle.
Artemisia’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. After her husband’s death, she ascended to the throne of Halicarnassus because her son, Pisindelis, was still a youth. As queen, she ruled not only Halicarnassus but also the islands of Kos, Nisyros, and Kalymnos. Her grandson, Lygdamis II, later became the satrap of Halicarnassus. During Herodotus’ exile from Halicarnassus, he witnessed Lygdamis II’s rule and the subsequent sentencing of the poet Panyasis to death after an unsuccessful uprising against the satrap.
Artemisia’s name is derived from Artemis, the Greek goddess associated with hunting, wilderness, and childbirth. The exact origin and etymology of Artemis are unknown, but various theories have been proposed. Some scholars believe that the Phrygian and Persian languages influenced the name, while others suggest its association with the Great Mother of Nature. Plato derived the name from the Greek word ἀρτεμής, meaning safe, unharmed, or pure. It is also believed that the name has Mycenaean Greek roots and possibly a Pre-Greek origin.
Artemisia I of Caria left a lasting impact on history through her role as an influential queen and military leader. Her courage, tactical expertise, and sound advice during the Persian invasion of Greece earned her respect and commendation from Xerxes. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and capabilities of women in ancient times.