Artemisia II
Artemisia II was a prominent figure in the Persian Empire during the 4th century BCE, known for her role as both the wife and sister of Mausolus. Together, they ruled a territory along the Aegean Sea from their capital in Halicarnassus, where they expanded their influence by conquering other cities, including the island of Rhodes. A key moment in her reign occurred after the death of Mausolus, when Artemisia successfully defended Halicarnassus against a Rhodian revolt, showcasing her naval leadership and strategic acumen. Her admiration for Greek culture led her to promote it within her realm, reflecting a blend of Persian and Hellenistic influences. Artemisia is perhaps best remembered for commissioning an elaborate tomb for her husband, which became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Despite passing away just a few years after Mausolus, her legacy endures through the term "mausoleum," derived from her husband's name. Artemisia's life illustrates the complexities of power and cultural exchange in the ancient world.
Artemisia II
Related civilizations: Classical Greece, Persia
Major role/position: Persian ruler
Life
Named after her more famous predecessor who fought against the Greeks for the Persians at the Battle of Salamis in 480 b.c.e., Artemisia II (ahrt-uh-MIHZ-ee-uh) was the wife and also the sister of Mausolus. For twenty-four years (377-353 b.c.e.), they jointly ruled a small section of the Persian Empire along the Aegean Sea in southwestern Turkey. From the capital in Halicarnassus, they extended their territory over other cities and conquered the island of Rhodes. Although Persian, the couple admired the Greek culture and did their best to promote it in the cities under their rule. A revolt by the Rhodians occurred on the death of Mausolus in 353 b.c.e., and a fleet of ships was sent to capture the city of Halicarnassus. Learning of the attack, Artemisia commanded her navy to anchor in a secret location, and when the time was right, they attacked and defeated the rebellion.
Influence
Artemisia ordered the construction of an Ionic-style tomb for her husband’s ashes. The greatest Greek artists were commissioned to create the tomb, which when complete was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Artemisia never lived to see the finished tomb, dying only three years after her husband. She also was entombed in the structure. The magnificence of the completed tomb resulted in the coinage of the word “mausoleum” after Mausolus, Artemisia’s husband.
Bibliography
Boardman, John, et al. Greece and the Hellenistic World. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Hornblower, S. Mausolus. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1982.