DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.4376#0157
EXCAVATIONS ON SITE OE MAUSOLEUM. 139
Matisolus was deposited, and that it was dropped
into its place like a portcullis.1 This is further
proved by the finding of alahastra, terra-cotta
figures, and bones of oxen, between this stone and
the foot of the staircase; for such objects would
remain at the entrance to the tomb, after the per-
formance of certain periodical rites, hay (v para?
I am further of opinion that the stair was cut
for the express purpose of conveying the body of
Mausolus into the tomb, and that it was covered
over with soil immediatelv afterwards, there havin«'
been no further occasion for it.
I have been led to adopt this opinion from the
following observations:—
1. The steps of the stair are cut out of the native
rock, which, being friable and easily wrought, would
necessarily have been much worn, had the stair
been subjected to weather and thoroughfare for any
length of time. The edges of the steps, hoAvever,
were sharp, exhibiting no sign of wear or weather,
as may be seen by the woodcut, (ante, p. 92).
, 2. On the north side the stair is flanked by a
! In the pyramid of the tomb near Constantine, called the
Madrazen, was a staircase leading into the interior, the entrance to
which was closed by a slab which is thus described : " Elle efcait
glissee comme un tiroir vertical, dans une rainure en pierre de
taille, et Ton devait la soulever au moyen d'une machine."—An-
nuaire de la Societe Archeol. de la Province de Constantino,
1856-7. Paris, 1858, p. 62.
J On the distinction between Qvelv and hayi^ew, see Liddell and
Scott, Lexicon, s. v. kvayi^u. Bulls were sacrificed to heroes, such
as Mausolus must have been accounted after his death,—see Boeckh,
C. I. No. 1051. Hence, probably, the bones which were discovered
with the alahaslra.
Matisolus was deposited, and that it was dropped
into its place like a portcullis.1 This is further
proved by the finding of alahastra, terra-cotta
figures, and bones of oxen, between this stone and
the foot of the staircase; for such objects would
remain at the entrance to the tomb, after the per-
formance of certain periodical rites, hay (v para?
I am further of opinion that the stair was cut
for the express purpose of conveying the body of
Mausolus into the tomb, and that it was covered
over with soil immediatelv afterwards, there havin«'
been no further occasion for it.
I have been led to adopt this opinion from the
following observations:—
1. The steps of the stair are cut out of the native
rock, which, being friable and easily wrought, would
necessarily have been much worn, had the stair
been subjected to weather and thoroughfare for any
length of time. The edges of the steps, hoAvever,
were sharp, exhibiting no sign of wear or weather,
as may be seen by the woodcut, (ante, p. 92).
, 2. On the north side the stair is flanked by a
! In the pyramid of the tomb near Constantine, called the
Madrazen, was a staircase leading into the interior, the entrance to
which was closed by a slab which is thus described : " Elle efcait
glissee comme un tiroir vertical, dans une rainure en pierre de
taille, et Ton devait la soulever au moyen d'une machine."—An-
nuaire de la Societe Archeol. de la Province de Constantino,
1856-7. Paris, 1858, p. 62.
J On the distinction between Qvelv and hayi^ew, see Liddell and
Scott, Lexicon, s. v. kvayi^u. Bulls were sacrificed to heroes, such
as Mausolus must have been accounted after his death,—see Boeckh,
C. I. No. 1051. Hence, probably, the bones which were discovered
with the alahaslra.