Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Turkey

The famous tomb, located at the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum), was constructed between 370-350 BC for King Mausolus of Caria, which is present-day southwestern Turkey. Legend has it that it was Queen Artemisia II, heartbroken over the loss of her king, who commissioned its construction to honor their love. Mausolus served as a satrap, or governor, in the Persian Empire, and his tomb became the origin of the word "mausoleum." The mausoleum measured approximately 120 feet (about 40 meters) long and 140 feet (about 45 meters) high. Its architectural splendor and grandeur were widely acknowledged. The central burial chamber was adorned with gold, while the exterior featured sculptures crafted by four Greek artists.