Mausolus

Ruler of Caria (r. 377-353 b. c.e.)

Born: Date unknown; Caria (now in Turkey)

Died: 353 b. c.e.; Caria (now in Turkey)

Also known as: Mausalous Category: Government and politics

Life Mausolus (maw-SOH-luhs) was a Persian satrap of Caria in southwest Asia Minor, where he ruled from 377 b. c.e. until his death in 353 b. c.e. Keen to increase his own power, his friendly relations with Persia were soured by his being one of the leaders in the Great Revolt of the Satraps in 362 b. c.e., although he deserted the cause and hence was not punished by the Persian king. This allowed Mausolus to continue his imperialistic policy, encroaching on the territories of Lycia and Ionia and also moving his capital from Mylasa to Halicarnassus, where he built a great fortress and married his sister Artemisia II.

In 356 b. c.e., Mausolus supported the revolt of Rhodes, Byzantium, Chios, and Cos against Athens in the Social War, and a few years later, he annexed Rhodes and Cos. He may even have engineered the Social War, as he could not expand his power on land because of the Persian king’s settlement after the Satraps’ revolt and could only turn to the islands. Mausolus was a patron of the arts and literature but is perhaps best remembered for his tomb. The mausoleum, made of white marble and measuring 100 by 127 feet (30 by 39 meters) and 134 feet (41 meters) high, was completed after his death.

Influence As well as being the source of the word “mausoleum,” Mausolus may be credited with spreading Greek culture in inland Asia Minor long before Alexander the Great.

Further Reading

Hornblower, S. Mausolus. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1982.

Sealey, R. Demosthenes and His Time. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1982.

Ian Worthington

See also: Artemisia II; Halicarnassus Mausoleum.