The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, tomb of Mausolus built by his widow Artemisa
Engraving, by Philips Galle, after Maarten van Heemskerck, 1572
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was built in the 4th century BC in the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey). It served as the tomb for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II of Caria. Designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythius, it was a monumental structure adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs, representing scenes from Greek mythology and battles. Its imposing size and elaborate decorations made it a marvel of ancient architecture and craftsmanship. The mausoleum suffered damage from earthquakes over the centuries, and its ruins were eventually used as building materials for other projects, leading to its eventual disappearance from the landscape.




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