The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is a magnificent tomb, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

It was built in the 4th century BC in the city of Bodrum (formerly Halicarnassus), located in the province of Muğla in present-day Turkey. It was commissioned by Mausolos, satrap (governor) of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II. The mausoleum left its mark on history with both its architectural splendor and artistic value.

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was built by Artemisia II, the wife and sister of Mausolos, the Persian satrap of Caria, upon his death (353 BC). Mausolos ruled Caria from Halicarnassus and developed the region economically and culturally.

The mausoleum was not only a tomb but also a monument showcasing Mausolos' power and the wealth of Caria. Artemisia's desire to immortalize her husband's memory was embodied in the magnificent design of this structure.

Its name, "Mausoleum," meaning "Mausolos' tomb," inspired all great monumental tombs.

The mausoleum had a unique design reflecting the architectural style of the period:

Architectural Structure

It was built on a rectangular platform. It consisted of three main sections:

Podium

The high stone foundation had a stepped pyramid shape.

Columned Gallery

A colonnade consisting of 36 Ionic columns reflected the Greek influence.

Roof

A 24-step pyramid covered the roof, and at its top stood a statue of a four-horse chariot (quadriga).

Dimensions

It was approximately 45 meters high and had a base area of 30x40 meters.

Decoration

The structure was decorated with hundreds of sculptures and reliefs. Lion sculptures, battle scenes, and mythological figures enhanced the artistic value of the mausoleum.

Material

White marble and local stones were used, with colored coatings chosen for the details.

Its architectural design was a masterpiece that combined the refinement of Greek art with the monumental style of Persian and Lycian cultures.

The mausoleum stood for centuries but was destroyed by various disasters:

Earthquakes

A series of earthquakes in the 13th century largely destroyed the mausoleum.

Crusades

In the 15th century, the Knights of St. John used the stones from the mausoleum to build Bodrum Castle.

Today

Only the foundation remains, some statue fragments, and stone blocks are left at the original site of the mausoleum. The remains are exhibited at the Mausoleum Open Air Museum in Bodrum. Some of the statues are housed at the British Museum in London.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The mausoleum has made it onto this list due to its size and artistic value.

Architectural Impact

He popularized the concept of the monumental tomb, and the term "mausoleum" is derived from this.

Archaeological Studies

Excavations were carried out by the English archaeologist Charles Newton in the 19th century, and statues and reliefs were brought to light.

Tourism

Today, it is one of Bodrum's important tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the remains of the mausoleum and the museum.

Artemisia II died before seeing the completion of the mausoleum (351 BC), but construction was completed according to her will.

The quadriga statue atop the mausoleum represented Mausolos and Artemisia.

Some of the structure's stones were used in Bodrum Castle as well as in local homes.

The ancient writer Pliny recorded the details of the mausoleum for posterity.