Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - Page two - By authority Howard Hillman

Mausoleum
at Halicarnassus

page 2

More
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
tips & insights

Earthquakes

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus stood reasonably intact for 17 centuries. Then, around 1400 AD, a series of earthquakes gradually collapsed this Seven Wonder.

Building blocks used
for crusader castle

About a hundred years later, the Knights of St. John of Malta were expecting an attack from an enemy. This motivated them to take the available blocks from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus ruins to reinforce the walls of their crusader castle across the bay.

Lost knowledge

No one knows what happened to the bodies of King Mausolus and his queen - and of the artistic treasures that were likely interred with them. However, King Mausolus's name lives on in its modern word derivation. Dictionaries define "Mausoleum" as a large, stately tomb.

Current condition

Little was remaining when I explored the Mausoleum at Harlicarnassus site (2300 years after it was built). It is uncertain whether the marble debris on the ground came from the Seven Wonder or subsequent structures. You can view some of the statues (and other items) that were apparently part of the tomb in the British Museum.

Bodrum

The city of Halicarnassus is now named Bodrum. It is now a major vacation destination. Bodrum's most popular attraction is not the Mausoleum at Halicarnnasus ruins but rather the crusader castle that is partially made from the Seven Wonder ruins.

The city is also known for its large fleet of chartered wooden sail boats. They are quite charming and sail the Turkish coast.

Bodrum is a Hillman Wonders Bronze Medal winner.