The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Halicarnassus is the capitol of a kingdom that is along the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor. Mausolous and his wife Artemisia ruled over Halicarnassus and the surrounding areas for twenty-four years. Mausolous created many of his cities with a greek vibe. He was fascinated with the Greeks culture. Mausolus and his queen were extremely close. They were lovers but also brother and sister. In 353 B.C. Mausolus died, it left Artemisia heartbroken. In honor of her husband she decided to build and extravagant tomb, money wasn't a question, she wanted the tomb to be splendid. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was so great that the word Mausoleum which originated from Mausolus' name is now associated with all great tombs. The tomb was an enclosed structure that set upon a hill overseeing the city of Halicarnassus. The 140ft tall tomb had walls that were covered with statues of gods and goddesses. Marble was the stone used. In the tomb were 36 slim columns that were statues. Behind the columns was a huge block used to support the roof. The roof was designed similar to a stepped pyramid. On top stood an immaculate sculpture of Mausolus an Artemisia riding in a chariot being pulled by four huge horses. The Mausoeum of Halicarnassus survived seventeen centuries before an earthquake brought it crumbling to the ground. Ancient Wonders >> Natural Wonders >>