What is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus?
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was an ancient tomb so impressive that it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The word mausoleum is derived from Mausolus, the man for whom the tomb was built.PurposeWhen Mausolus, ruler of Caria, died in 353 B.C., his wife, Artemisia, invited Greece’s most talented artists to build a spectacular tomb in his honor in Halicarnassus, the capital of his Asia Minor kingdom. Both Mausolus and Artemisia were buried in the tomb.CreatorsScopas, Bryaxis, Timotheus and Leochares were the best-known sculptors who worked to create beautiful and elaborate relief art on all sides of the mausoleum. The reliefs depicted scenes from Greek myths and history.DescriptionThe mausoleum consisted of a large platform reachable by a staircase; on top of the platform was a level surrounded by 36 columns and finally a pyramid for a roof.DetailsThe mausoleum’s crowning glory was the enormous sculpture that adorned the top, depicting Mausolus and Artemisia i
