Learn about the Mausoleum of Maussollos

Halicarnassus, which is present day Bodrum, Turkey, a large tomb was built for Mausolus a provincial king in the Persian Empire in 351 BC, designed by Greek architects, it stood a 135 feet tall and the word Mausoleum has come to be known for any large tomb. It originally meant in honor of Mausolus. Mausolus' wife built the tomb completely disregarding expenses so she went around the world looking for some of the most artists. Statues on the walls of the Mausoleum were people and animals making it one of the few that was not dedicated to the Gods.

The Mausoleum was left untouched when Alexander the Great took over the city, as well as during two pirate attacks. Several earthquakes destroyed it however and in 1404 only the base was recognizable and in 1494 the remaining stones were used to fortify a massive crusader castle. Now only the foundation remains. However, some of the surviving statues are on display at the British museum.


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