Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

ancient history · architecture · seven wonders

Massive marble monument. Built between 353 and 351 BC in a place called Halicarnassus (in what is now Turkey), this tomb was created for Mausolus, a powerful ruler, and his wife Artemisia II. It was so spectacular that people are still amazed by it today.

Greek architects designed it. Two brilliant Greek builders named Satyros and Pythius created the amazing design. They combined different building styles to make something that had never been seen before.

Inspired by Lycia. The tomb's tall structure was inspired by fancy tombs in a neighboring region called Lycia, which Mausolus had conquered and taken over around 360 BC. These tombs gave him great ideas for his own monument.

Name lives on forever. This tomb was so impressive that the word 'mausoleum' comes directly from Mausolus's name. Now when people build fancy tombs, they call them mausoleums in his honor.

One of seven wonders. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it one of the most important buildings humans have ever created.