Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a giant, elaborate tomb built in Halicarnassus, (present day Bodrum, Turkey) for King Mausolus, ruler of Caria (377–353 BC). The word “mausoleum,” which is now used to refer to any above-ground tomb, comes from this monument. 

One of the last surviving seven wonders of the ancient world, the mausoleum stood for over 1500 years - from its erection in approximately 350BC, until its destruction by successive earthquakes between the 12th and 15th centuries AD. At its prime, it stood 148 feet high and was adorned with colossal statues, sculptures and reliefs depicting gods, goddesses, animals and battle scenes. 

Many stones recovered from the ruin of the mausoleum were used in the construction of nearby Bodrum Castle from 1402 onwards. There are several recovered statues and reliefs available for viewing by the public in museums around the world, the most famous of which are believed to be of Mausolus himself, and his wife, Queen Artemisia II, in the British Museum in London.