MAUSOLEUM OF HALICARNASSUS

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (or Mausoleum of Mausolus) is a magnificent mausoleum, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is located in the Bodrum district of the Mugla province of Turkey and is one of the most important ruins of the ancient city of Halicarnassus. It is named after Mausolus, the Satrap of Caria, from which the word “mausoleum” (meaning “great mausoleum”) derives.

Who was it built for?

It was built for Mausolos, a satrap (governor) of the Persian Empire who ruled the Carian region between 377-353 BC. Mausolus had a mausoleum built after his death (353 BC) by his sister and wife Artemisia II. Artemisia started this massive structure to immortalize the memory of her husband, but she herself died soon after, so the construction was completed by later architects (c. 351-350 BC).

Why is it famous?

It is notable for bringing together the most famous Greek architects and sculptors of the period. It was included in the list of the Seven Wonders by ancient writers such as Antipater.

The building reflects a mixture of Greek, Lycian and Egyptian architecture:

Dimensions

It is about 45 meters high (the height of a modern 14-story building). Its base rests on a giant podium (high pedestal) measuring 38 x 32 meters.

Layers

Bottom: A high pedestal, decorated on four sides with reliefs of Amazonian battles, centaurs and other mythological scenes.

Middle part: Peristyle (columned gallery) surrounded by 36 Ionic columns.

Upper part: 24-step pyramid roof.

Hill: The quadriga (four-horse chariot) statue of Mausolus and Artemisia.

Artists

Architects Satyros and Pythius; sculptors Scopas, Leochares, Bryaxis and Timotheus (each decorated a facade). In total, it is made of white marble, decorated with hundreds of statues and reliefs.

• The building stood for about 1500 years, withstanding the conquest of Alexander the Great and various invasions.

• Between the 12th and 15th centuries, it was heavily damaged by earthquakes and eventually destroyed.

• In the 15th century, the Knights of Saint Jean (Hospitalier Knights) came to Bodrum and dismantled the remaining marble blocks and used them in the construction of Bodrum Castle (some reliefs can still be seen in the castle).

• In the 19th century, the British archaeologist Charles Newton conducted excavations and moved many statues and reliefs to the British Museum.
  
  

Today

can be visited as an open-air museum in the center of Bodrum. All that remains are the remains of the foundations, a few fragments of columns and a sunken area. In the museum area, a model recreates its former state. Although very few original pieces remain, it is a must-see for its historical significance.