The end of the second millennium BC is remarkable that the Greeks, anxious search for a new living space, began to gradually occupy the territory of Asia Minor. This dates back to the time and the appearance of the city of Halicarnassus, renamed later in Bodrum.

In 546 BC the territory was invaded by the Persian king Cyrus II. Huge outside the Persian state was structurally divided into small, in modern terminology, autonomous regions, with their rulers, to obey the king of Persia. He was given free rein on the principle "Everything that is not forbidden - is allowed." These areas were called as the "satrapy", and the king - governor - "satrap".

Satrapi, in the south-west of Asia Minor was called Kariya. Its capital - Milas - were located was in the northeast of Halicarnassus in the mountains. But Gektamon satrap who ruled here for about 400g. BC decided to move the capital is in Halicarnassus. The reason for this was its convenient location. After the official transfer of the capital from Mylasa to Halicarnassus, Gektamonom started rapid construction, the purpose of which was to turn Halicarnassus in the royal residence. But in 377 BC He died, and before their move to the new capital. After his death the son took the throne satrap Mausolus Gektamona. He took no less energy for the continuation of the work begun by his father. At the same time, among other things, it was decided to build a mausoleum - a monumental tombstones, the name and the majestic view which would be a perpetual reminder to seeds, as of his name and of his glorious deeds.

Being a passionate lover of Greek culture and the arts, he announced the opening of a special competition for participation in which were invited Greek masters in the field of construction. Almost all the famous Greek architects took part in it, and the winners were Pytheas and satire.

The unusual design of the mausoleum, which became the fifth wonder of the world, was decorated with friezes and bas-reliefs depicting mythical characters, and marble figures were best embodies ancient traditions. However, as is the case with his father, the fruit of their efforts Mausolus was not destined to enjoy in 353 BC, when he died, the mausoleum was not yet finished. Continue construction of facilities Artemisia his wife, but she died shortly before reaching its end. A finished construction of the mausoleum of the architects who participated in its construction.

As they say, it was built to last. For example, the tomb of Mausolus escaped during the siege and capture of the city by Alexander the Great in 334 BC He left unscathed after other wars. But "nothing lasts forever", and as a result of the earthquake in the XII century, a large part of the building was destroyed, after which it was razed to the ground, and in its place began to build houses.

In 1857, 12 houses were purchased, followed by British archaeologists from the wreckage were recovered remnants of what was once proudly called Mausoleum. These findings are now kept in the British Museum in London. Now, from the Mausoleum remained only the foundation and green stone, closes once the input.