This mausoleum was built as a shrine for the ruler of Caria, Mausolus, by his widow and sister Artemisia after his death in 350 BC. It is considered as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The term Mausoleum came to existence to describe this and other monumental tombs.
Its main architects were Satyrus and Pythis. Sculptures Scopas of Paros, Leochares, Bryaxis, and Timotheus were mentioned in creating this work, which is approximately 140-feet (43m) tall and has a 124-foot by 103-foot (38mx31m) base.
A miniaturized replica of this monument is exhibited in the museum in Bodrum. Today’s knowledge about this ancient work comes from a variety of sources. First, the artifacts recovered in the excavation area, some of which are displayed in the British Museum and some others in the open air museum created in Bodrum. Second, the evidences left from the antique era and the medieval ages and Pliny the Elder’s (AD 23 August 25, AD 79) description of the mausoleum. Third, the reports by the Knights of Saint John, who were searching for lime stone during the repair of St. Peter’s Castle in Bodrum in 1522. In addition to the above, the Quadrangle1, which shows the outline of the original super structure and also the place of Mausolus’ grave and the excavations by Danish2 in 1857 and later in 1970 – 1977, that uncovered new facts related to this monument.
Notes
- Jeppesen, Kristian, “The Quadrangle, Maussolleion at Halikarnassos, Vol. 4,” (Jutland Archaeological Society Publications).
- Excavations by Danish, done under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Kristian Jeppesen, and sponsored by Carlsberg Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Sources
1. Turkish Antiquities Department, Ministry of Culture, Ankara, Turkey.
2. Fergusson, James, “The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Restored, In Conformity with the Recently Discovered Remains,” London John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1862, printed by William Clowes and Sons, Stamford Street and Charing Cross.