Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Facts & Worksheets

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, also known as the Mausoleum, was a magnificent ancient tomb in the city of Halicarnassus, modern-day Bodrum in Turkey. This historic structure was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is renowned for its architectural and artistic significance

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Key Facts & Information

ORIGINS

• Mausolus and Artemisia II: Mausolus ruled over the region of Caria, which included the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey). He was a local satrap appointed by the Persian King, and he was known for his ambition and vision. Mausolus married his sister Artemisia II, a common practice among ancient Persian royalty.
• Desire for a Grand Tomb: Mausolus and Artemisia II shared a desire to leave a lasting legacy that showcased their wealth, power, and appreciation for the arts. They decided to build a monumental tomb that would become a marvel of the ancient world.
• Architectural Ambitions: To fulfill their vision, Mausolus and Artemisia II enlisted the services of renowned Greek architects and artists, including Satyros and Pythias (architects) and Skopas of Paros (sculptor).
• These experts were tasked with designing and constructing a tomb that would surpass anything ever seen before.
• Construction: The construction of the Mausoleum began around 353 BC and continued for several years. The project was ambitious, combining Greek, Lycian, and Egyptian architectural elements. It involved intricate sculptures and reliefs that adorned the exterior.
• Death and Completion: Tragically, Mausolus died in 353 BC, not long after the project began. Artemisia II was deeply saddened by her husband’s death, but she was determined to see the tomb completed. She oversaw the project’s completion and made substantial contributions to its design.
• Legacy: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus served as the final resting place for Mausolus and Artemisia II.

STRUCTURE

• Base: The Mausoleum had a rectangular base or platform that served as its foundation. This base measured approximately 36 meters (118 feet) on each side and was constructed from large, finely cut stones. It elevated the tomb above the ground level, adding to its visual impact.
• Staircase: On top of the base, a wide staircase led to the upper levels of the structure. This staircase was adorned with sculptures and carvings, setting the tone for the ornate decorations throughout the monument.
• Terraces: The Mausoleum was designed with a series of stepped, terraced levels, which gave it a ziggurat-like appearance. There were a total of 24 steps, each step decorated with friezes and sculptures. These terraces served both aesthetic and structural purposes.
• Colonnade: On the top terrace, a peristyle colonnade of 36 Ionic columns encircled the central burial chamber, creating an elegant and imposing appearance. The columns were intricately carved and stood on a base decorated with reliefs.
• Central Burial Chamber: The central feature of the Mausoleum was the burial chamber itself. 
• The chamber was elaborately decorated, and the couple’s sarcophagi were placed inside.
• Pyramid Roof: Above the colonnade and the central burial chamber was a stepped pyramid-like roof. This roof was topped with a four-horse chariot sculpture, known as a quadriga, which served as a crowning ornament. The quadriga was an exquisite work of art, representing the rulers’ status and achievements.
• Sculptural Decorations: The Mausoleum was adorned with numerous sculptures and friezes, depicting scenes from Greek mythology, battle scenes, and images of Mausolus and Artemisia II. These sculptures were meticulously crafted and contributed to the Mausoleum’s reputation as a masterpiece of ancient art.
• The Mausoleum’s structure was a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the time. It combined elements of Greek, Lycian, and Egyptian architecture, creating a unique and awe-inspiring monument celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

DIMENSIONS

• The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was an imposing structure known for its grand dimensions. Here are the approximate proportions of the Mausoleum:
• Base Dimensions: The rectangular base or platform of the Mausoleum measured about 36 meters (118 feet) on each side. 
• This base formed the foundation for the rest of the structure.
• Height: The total height of the Mausoleum, including the stepped pyramid roof and the quadriga (four-horse chariot) sculpture on top, was estimated to be around 45 meters (148 feet). This made it one of the tallest structures of its time.
• Colonnade: The peristyle colonnade on the top terrace, which encircled the central burial chamber, featured 36 Ionic columns. These columns contributed to the Mausoleum’s overall height and added to its visual impact.
• Number of Steps: The Mausoleum had a total of 24 stepped terraces that led to the top. These steps contributed to the structure’s ziggurat-like appearance and allowed for decorative elements on each level.
• The Mausoleum’s significant size and scale, combined with its intricate sculptures and artistic decorations, made it a remarkable monument and a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the time.

DESTRUCTION AND REDISCOVERY

• Earthquakes: Halicarnassus was located in a seismically active region, and over the centuries, a series of earthquakes struck the area. These seismic events caused significant damage to the Mausoleum’s structure, including the collapse of some of its columns and the weakening of its foundation.
• Looting and Repurposing: In the centuries following the Mausoleum’s construction, the city of Halicarnassus went through various political and cultural changes. 
• The monument lost its original purpose as a tomb, and the city’s residents repurposed its stones and sculptures for other construction projects. Some valuable marble and decorative elements were likely removed and reused in other buildings.
• Medieval Fortification: During the medieval period, the site of the Mausoleum was transformed into a fortress. The Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller) used the stones and materials from the Mausoleum to build the Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, in the 15th century. 
• Abandonment and Neglect: Over time, the Mausoleum was largely forgotten, and its ruins were buried beneath layers of sediment and debris. The abandonment and neglect of the site allowed nature to take its course, with vegetation and soil covering the remnants of the once-great structure.
• Archaeological Rediscovery: The Mausoleum’s existence and historical significance were rediscovered in the 19th century by archaeologists and scholars. Excavations and research efforts helped uncover some of its remnants and provided valuable insights into its design and history.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a magnificent ancient tomb in the city of Halicarnassus, modern-day Bodrum in Turkey.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Facts
2. Building Narrative
3. The Mausoleum
4. The Queens
5. The Old City
6. Halicarnassus Today
7. Promoting Halicarnassus
8. Quick Review
9. Final Resting Place
10. Ancient Wonders
11. Test Your Vocabulary!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus?

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, also known as the Tomb of Mausolus, was a grand and elaborate tomb constructed in the ancient city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) in the 4th century BCE. It was built to honor Mausolus, a local satrap (governor) of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II.

Who were Mausolus and Artemisia II?

Mausolus and Artemisia II were husband and wife, ruling as satraps of the ancient city of Halicarnassus under the Persian Empire. Mausolus is most famous for his construction of the mausoleum, while Artemisia II, who outlived her husband, played a significant role in the design and completion of the monument.

What made the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus famous?

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was famous for its remarkable architecture and artistic features. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World due to its innovative design and the quality of its sculptures and decorative elements. The mausoleum was a blend of Greek, Lycian, and Egyptian architectural styles, making it a marvel of its time.

What happened to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus?

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus stood for centuries until it was gradually dismantled and destroyed. The decline began with earthquakes in the 12th and 15th centuries, and the remnants of the monument were used as building materials in later construction projects. Today, only a few scattered ruins remain, and many of its artifacts are housed in various museums around the world.

What are some of the notable features of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus?

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus featured several distinctive elements, including a large rectangular base, a colonnade of 36 Ionic columns, a stepped pyramid roof adorned with sculptures, and a chariot on top with statues of Mausolus and Artemisia II. The monument was adorned with intricate friezes, statuary, and intricate relief carvings, making it a showcase of ancient art and architecture.

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