Mausoleum of Halikarnassus

One of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Mausoleum of Halikarnassus was an above-ground tomb for the ruler of Halikarnassus (Halicarnassus), Mausolus; the tomb was completed by his wife, Artemisia, in 353 BCE; Mausolus was the Persian satrap of the district of Karia (Caria) with Halikarnassus as his capitol city.

Although Mausolus was a Persian, his inclinations were decidedly Greek; he was noted for his aggressive political maneuvering and lavish spending on public works projects; he was married to his sister, Artemisia, and died in the prime of his life.

As a lasting monument to his fame and fortune, Artemisia constructed an above-ground tomb in the center of the city of Halikarnassus to house the body of her beloved husband throughout eternity; the tomb was 140 feet (43 meters) in height including the podium, the colonnade, the pyramidal roof and the chariot statue that crowned the structure.