After the era of building the Parthenon, Greece transitioned from the period of classical prosperity to the late classical period. During this time, urban life declined, community bonds weakened, and individuals turned back to personal sentiments. As a result, royal architecture took on grand dimensions to “intimidate” the populace, while sculptures became smaller, serving as decorative pieces in living rooms.
The most famous architectural structure of this period is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The city of Halicarnassus was the capital of the Kingdom of Caria, located in Western Asia near the Aegean Sea. The mausoleum in Halicarnassus was constructed around 350 BC and is noted as the largest and most elaborate tomb of its time, built by Queen Artemisia for her husband, King Mausolus.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it also marks the final imprint of the decline of slavery in Ancient Greece. It represented the last effort of a royal dynasty, as the ancient Greeks did not favor large tombs. The architectural design of the mausoleum in Halicarnassus features massive forms and a solemn layout, which can be explained by the strong influence of Eastern art on late classical Greek art.
The structure is divided into three main parts:
The largest base level at the bottom serves as the burial chamber, constructed from stone with a broad, stepped foundation.
The second level houses a ceremonial room within, surrounded by a colonnade outside, creating a lighter architectural form that contrasts with the solid mass below. The open spaces created by the columns, along with the placement of statues between them, contribute to a flexible and graceful architectural and sculptural style.
The third part at the top features a pyramid-like roof that tapers upwards, culminating in a statue group representing Mausolus.
In architectural terms, the mausoleum at Halicarnassus is categorized as a heroön (a temple tomb). The architect of this structure was Pithius, a renowned ancient architect, while the sculptural work was executed by four of the most talented sculptors of the time, led by Scopas and Leochares.
Over the years, due to historical upheavals, time, wars, earthquakes, looting, and feuds between clans and religions, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus gradually deteriorated. By the 16th century, the Turks had reduced the mausoleum to ruins. Following nearly a century and a half of excavations and collections, based on the remaining details, efforts were made to reconstruct the original appearance of the mausoleum. The restoration project by Kiecsón, carried out from 1923 to 1928, is considered the most authentic restoration of its kind.
Initially, the tomb of Mausolus was a proper name, but it gradually evolved to become a generic term used to refer to large tombs built for distinguished figures. The term “mausoleum” in various languages such as Mosole, Mausolée, Mauzoleum, and Mavzalei originated from the tomb of King Mausolus located in Caria by the Mediterranean coast.
