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The mausoleum was erected by Queen Artemisia in memory
of her husband (and brother), King Mausolus of Caria in Asia Minor who
died in 353 BC. Built and decorated by the leading artisans of the time it
measured 120 by 120 feet at the base and stood 140 feet high. Beautifully
ornate and unique in that it was not dedicated to the gods of Ancient
Greece. It is quite likely that an earthquake toppled the building at an
undetermined time, some remains of the structure are located in British
Museum. This shrine is the source of the modern work "mausoleum." |