_Greek Measures._
There is one other point which must be carefully attended to in any
attempt to restore the Mausoleum, which is the ratio between Greek and
English measures. Those quoted by Pliny are in the former, of course;
those obtained by the excavations are in the latter; and every result
is vitiated and worthless without due attention to the difference.
The length of a Greek foot may be attained most directly by comparison
with the Roman. From the researches of the best antiquaries as summed
up by Niebuhr, the length of the Roman foot was ·972 English—a result
confirmed by Mr. Penrose’s careful independent investigation. Now, as
it is known that the ratio between the Greek foot and the Roman was as
25 to 24, we arrive at the result of 101·25 English feet equal to 100
Greek.
Mr. Penrose obtained a slightly different result from his measurement
of the upper step of the Parthenon. The front was known or assumed to
be exactly 100 Greek feet; it gave 101·341, or about one inch in excess
in 1200. As the flanks were to the front in the ratio of 4 to 9, this
ought to have given 228·019. It was found to be 228·166, or nearly two
inches in excess. But, on the other hand, it is admitted that the term
Hecatompedon in Greek authors seems always to apply to the Naos and
not to the step; and this, as measured by Mr. Penrose, including the
transverse wall, gave 101·222, or a little under the other—the mean
between the two being almost exactly identical with the measure derived
from the Roman foot. In consequence of this the preference will be
given throughout the following pages to the ratio of 101·25, or 101 ft.
3 in. English, as being equal to 100 Greek feet.
Turning from this to the measurement of the steps of the Pyramid,
which, as mentioned above, is one of the most important elements
for the restoration which have been brought to light by the recent
excavations, we find their dimensions quoted throughout by Lieut.
Smith, Mr. Pullan, and Mr. Newton as 1´ 9´´, or 21 inches English for
the wider, and 1´ 5´´, or 17 English inches for the narrower step.
The first thing that strikes one on considering this is, that it is a
most wonderful coincidence that these dimensions should come out so
exactly in English measures, without any fraction either way. On any
moderate calculation of chances the odds are at least 100 to 1 against
this being the case. The suspicion that there is an error somewhere
is confirmed by observing that, though so very nearly in the ratio of
4 to 5, they are not exactly so; but if we try with the lower number
we find 4 : 5 :: 17 : 21·25, or within the minutest fraction of 21
Greek inches. If we adopt 17·01 English inches for the shorter, we have
21·2625, or exactly 21 Greek inches, for the latter.
It would be needless to attempt by measurement to attain such minute
accuracy as this; as it must in fairness be stated that it is extremely
difficult to ascertain minute differences in the present state of the
remains. Where two stones or steps are _in situ_, the one over the
other, it is very easy to measure the distance from the face of the
one to the face of the other; but when, as in this instance, we are
dependent on the weather-marks or a position assumed from the details
of other examples, we must be content with approximations, and without
the guidance of some system of definite proportions can never be sure
we are right.
The determination of this point was so essential that I have carefully
measured all the angle and roofing stones I could get access to in the
Museum, and find that, as nearly as can be ascertained, the dimension
of 17 inches is correct; but the longer one is, it may be, 2/10ths—it
may be 3/10ths—of an inch in excess. Any one can verify this for
himself; but I am so convinced of its correctness by my measurements,
that I shall use the longer step as a dimension of 21 Greek, or 21·2625
English, inches.
Assuming this for the present, the next thing that suggests itself is,
that 21 inches is the acknowledged length of the Babylonian cubit. We
know that after the captivity, the Jews added a handbreadth to their
cubit, so as to make it up to this then fashionable measure; and as we
know that Caria had been so long under the domination of the Persians,
ruling from Babylon, there is no _à priori_ improbability in this
measure being current there.[9]
The well known tablets at Mylassa, given in Böckh, prove incontestably
that Mausolus acknowledged himself a satrap of Artaxerxes as late as
355, or only two years before his death. If it is contended that he
afterwards emancipated himself from the Persian yoke—of which there is
no proof—it is by no means clear that he did not commence his own tomb
himself some time before his death. At least it is nearly certain that
no other man ever had a tomb of any great magnificence who did not in
his lifetime take measures to secure its erection.
All this does not, it is true, prove that the Babylonian cubit was used
in Caria; but it makes it so probable that it may have been that there
will be nothing shocking in calling the length of the longer step by
this name; and as this measure was the modulus of the whole building,
and occurs over and over again, it will be convenient, and avoid
circumlocution, if—of course, without prejudging the fact—we call the
measure of 21 Greek inches as equal to 1 Babylonian or Halicarnassean
cubit. If it could be proved that such a measure was never known in
Caria, this would not in the least affect the result. All that is
wanted here is a name which shall express a measure of 21 Greek inches.
If any other can be suggested it will answer equally well. But it seems
necessary that some definite term should be used in the sequel; and,
till some other is found, I may perhaps be allowed to employ this.
_Cymatium._
Next in importance to the steps of the Pyramid, for the purposes of
restoration, are the fragments of the Cymatium which were discovered in
the excavations. Of these some six or seven were found, and on each was
either a Lion’s head covering the joint, or the mark of a Lion’s head
on the further edge of the stone next the joint.
[Illustration: _3 f^t. 6 in. greek_ >]
4.—CYMATIUM.]
Each of these pieces was, like the steps of the Pyramid, 21 inches, or
1 cubit, in length;[10] and, according to the evidence we now have, the
Lions’ heads were consequently spaced 2 cubits, or 3 feet 6 inches,
from the centre of one to the centre of another.
The interest of this measurement lies in the certainty that the
inter-columniation was somehow commensurate with it. The usual
arrangement in Greek architecture would have been that there should
be one Lion’s head over the centre of each column, and one half-way
between. This certainly was not the arrangement here, as the columns,
which are 3 ft. 6 in. Greek, or exactly 2 cubits in width, in their
lower diameter, would then have been only one diameter apart.
It has been suggested that, as the Lions’ heads are so unusually
close, the pillars may have been so arranged that one column had a
Lion’s head over its centre, and those on each side stood between two
Lions’ heads—thus making the intercolumniation 8 ft. 9 in. The first
objection that occurs to this view is, that it is unknown in any other
examples; that it is contrary to the general principles of the art, and
introduces an unnecessary complication; and is, therefore, unlikely.
But the great objection is, that it cannot be made to fit in with any
arrangement of the Pyramid steps. Let it be assumed, for instance,
that the thirty-six columns of the Pteron were so arranged as to give
an uneven number each way, so as to have eleven intercolumniations
on one side by seven on the other; this would give a dimension of
96 feet 3 inches by 61 feet 3 inches from centre to centre of the
angle columns, to which it would be impossible to fit the Pyramid,
assuming, from the evidence of the steps, that its sides were in
ratio 4 to 5, or nearly so at all events. If, on the contrary, it is
assumed that there were 10 intercolumniations by 8, this would give
a dimension of 87·6 by 70; and adding 2 ft. 9 in. each way, which we
shall presently see was the projection of the first step of the Pyramid
beyond the centre of the angle column, we should have for its base 93
feet by 75 feet 6 inches, within which it is impossible to compress
it, unless we adopt a tall pyramid, as was done by Mr. Cockerell and
Mr. Falkener before the discovery of the pyramid steps, or unless we
admit of a curvilinear-formed pyramid, as was suggested by myself.
With the evidence that is now before us, neither of these suggestions
seems to be for one moment tenable; and as we cannot, with this
intercolumniation, stretch the dimensions of the Pteron beyond what is
stated above, it must be abandoned.
Advancing 1 cubit beyond this, we come to 6 cubits, or 10 feet 6 inches
Greek, as the distance from the centre of one column to the centre of
the next;[11] and the Lions’ heads then range symmetrically, one over
each pillar, and two between each pair.
At first sight there seems to be no objection to the assumption that
one plain piece of the Cymatium may have been inserted between each
of the pieces to which were attached the Lions’ heads, or the impress
of them. It is true none were found; but as there could be only one
plain piece in three, and as only six or seven fragments were found
altogether, the chances against this theory are not sufficient to cause
its rejection. The real difficulty is, that a Lion’s head exists on
a stone 1 cubit from the angle; and, unless the architects adopted a
different arrangement at the angles from what they did in the centre,
which is, to say the least of it, extremely improbable, it cannot be
made to fit with the arrangement. If one plain piece had been found, it
would have fixed the distance between centre and centre of column at 10
ft. 6 in. absolutely. As none, however, were found, or at least brought
home, we must look for our proofs elsewhere.
The first of these is a very satisfactory one, on the principle of
definite proportions above explained. As we have just found that six
pyramid steps, or 6 cubits, are equal to one intercolumniation, so
six intercolumniations, or 36 cubits, is exactly 63 Greek feet—the
“sexagenos ternos pedes,” which Pliny ascribes to the cella or tomb;
it is further proved that this was not accidental, by our finding that
twice the length of the cella, or 126 Greek feet, or 72 cubits, is, or
ought to be, the total length of the building, measured on its lowest
step. This, as before mentioned, Mr. Newton quotes, in round numbers,
as 127 feet English; but as neither he nor any of those with him had
any idea that any peculiar value was attached to this dimension, they
measured carelessly and quoted loosely. My own conviction is, that
it certainly was 127 ft. 6-3/4 in. English, which would be the exact
equivalent of 126 Greek feet. At all events, I feel perfectly certain
that the best mode of ascertaining the exact length of the pyramid step
would be to divide this dimension, whatever it is, by 72.
_Pteron._
Returning to the Pteron: if the columns were ranged in a single row—and
no other arrangement seems possible with the evidence now before
us—there must have been eleven columns on the longer faces and nine at
the ends, counting the angle columns twice, and consequently a column
in the centre of each face. This, at least, is the resultant of every
conceivable hypothesis that I have been able to try. No other will,
even in a remote degree, suit the admitted forms and dimensions of the
pyramid: it is that adopted by Lieutenant Smith and Mr. Pullan; and,
according to the evidence before us, seems the only one admissible.
Adopting it for the present, the first difficulty that arises is that
10 intercolumniations at 10 ft. 6 in. give 105 feet; to which if we
add as before 5 ft. 6 in., or twice 2 ft. 9 in., for the projection of
the first step of the pyramid beyond the centres of the columns, we
have 110 ft. 6 in., a dimension to which it is almost impossible to
extend the pyramid; and, what is worse, with a cella only 63 feet in
its longest dimension, it leaves 21 feet at either end, from the centre
of the columns to the wall, a space which it is almost impossible could
be roofed by any of the expedients known to the Greeks; and the flanks
are almost equally intractable. It was this that rendered Lieutenant
Smith’s restoration so unacceptable. He boldly and honestly faced the
difficulty, and so far he did good service, and deserves all praise.
Mr. Pullan’s expedient of cutting 6 inches off each intercolumniation
is not so creditable, nor is the result much more satisfactory.
After trying several others, the solution appears to me to lie in the
hypothesis that the angle columns were coupled,—or, in other words,
half an intercolumniation (5 feet 3 inches) apart from centre to centre.
Should it be asked if there are any other examples of this arrangement,
the answer must probably be that there are not; but there is also no
other building known with a pyramidal roof, or which, from its design,
would so much require strengthening at the angles. The distance between
the columns and the front must necessarily be so great,—the height at
which they are placed is so considerable,—and the form of the roof
so exceptional, that I feel quite certain any architect will admit
that this grouping together of the angle columns is æsthetically an
improvement.[12]
Although this arrangement may not be found in any Ionic edifice, it is
a well-known fact that in every Doric Temple the three columns at the
angles are spaced nearer to each other than those intermediate between
them, either in the flanks or front. The usual theory is that this was
done to accommodate the exigencies of the triglyphs. It may be so, but
the Greeks were too ingenious a people to allow any such difficulty
to control their designs if they had not thought it an improvement
to strengthen the angles of their buildings. We may also again
refer to the Lion Tomb at Cnidus (Woodcut, No. 1), where the angle
intercolumniations are less than the centre ones, for no conceivable
reason but to give apparent strength to that part.
The proof, however, must depend on how it fits with the other parts.
Taking first the flanks, we have 8 whole and 2 half intercolumniations,
equal to 94 feet 6 inches Greek, or 48 cubits, or just once and a half
the length of the cella; which is so far satisfactory. At the back of
the gutter behind the cymatium there is a weather mark which certainly
indicates the position of the first step of the pyramid, and, according
to Mr. Pullan’s restoration of the order, this mark is 2 ft. 8-1/2 in.
beyond the centre of the columns. As there are a great many doubtful
elements in this restoration, and as, from the fragmentary nature of
the evidence, it is impossible to be certain within half an inch or
even an inch either way, let us, for the nonce, assume this dimension
to be 2 ft. 9 in. Twice this for the projection either way, or 5 ft.
6 in., added to 94 ft. 6 in., gives exactly 100 Greek feet for the
dimension of the lowest step of the pyramid. So far nothing could be
more satisfactory; but, if it is of any value, the opposite side ought
to be 80 feet,—or in the ratio of 5 to 4.
On this side we have 6 whole and 2 half intercolumniations, or 73 ft.
6 in.,—to which adding, as before, 5 ft. 6 in. for the projection of
the step, we obtain 79 feet! If this is really so, there is an end of
this theory of restoration on a system of definite proportions; and so
for a long time I thought, and was inclined to give up the whole in
despair. The solution, however, does not seem difficult when once it
is explained. It probably is this: the steps of the Pyramid being in
the ratio of 4 to 5, or as 16·8 in. to 21 inches Greek, the cymatium
gutter must be in the same ratio, or the angle would not be in the same
line with the angles of the steps or of the pedestals, or whatever was
used to finish the roof. In Mr. Newton’s text this dimension is called
1 ft. 10 in. throughout; according to Mr. Day’s lithographer it is
1´·88, which does not represent 1 ft. 10 in. by any system of decimal
notation I am acquainted with. According to Mr. Pullan’s drawing it
scales 2 feet.[13] From internal evidence, I fancy the latter is the
true dimension. Assuming it to be so, and that it is the narrowest of
the two gutters, the other was of course as 4 is to 5, or as 2 feet to
2 feet 6 inches, which gives us the exact dimensions we are seeking,
or 6 inches each way. This I feel convinced is the true explanation,
but the difficulty is that, if it is so, there must be some error in
Mr. Pullan’s restoration of the order. If we assume that we have got
the wider gutter, the other would be 19·2 in., which would be easily
adjusted to the order, but would give only 4·8 in. each way, or 1-2/10
in. less than is wanted. It is so unlikely that the Greeks would have
allowed their system to break down for so small a quantity as one inch
and one-fifth in 40 feet, that we may feel certain—if this difficulty
exists at all—that it is only our ignorance that prevents our
perceiving how it was adjusted. If it should prove that the cymatium
we have got is the larger one, and that consequently this difference
does exist, the solution will probably be found in the fact of the
existence of two roof stones, with the abnormal dimensions quoted by
Mr. Pullan as 10-1/2 inches and 9 respectively. It may be they were
9´´ and 10´´·2, which would give the quantity wanted. But, whatever
their exact dimensions, it is probable that they were the lowest steps
of the pyramid; and, if the discrepancy above alluded to did exist,
they may have been used as the means of adjusting it. Be all this as
it may, I feel convinced that whenever the fragments can be carefully
re-examined, it will be found that the exact dimension we are seeking
was 80 Greek feet.[14]
There is another test to which this arrangement of the columns must be
submitted before it can be accepted, which is, the manner in which it
can be made to accord with the width of the cella.
The first hypothesis that one naturally adopts is that the peristyle
should be one intercolumniation in width, in other words that the
distance between the centres of the columns and the walls of the cella
should be 10 feet 6 inches. Assuming this, or deducting 21 Greek feet
from the extreme width we have just found above of 73 feet 6 inches,
it leaves 52 feet 6 inches for the width, which is a very reasonable
explanation of Pliny’s expression, “brevius a frontibus.” It is also
satisfactory, as it is in the proportion of 5 to 6, with 63 feet, which
is Pliny’s dimension, for the length of the cella. But the “instantia
crucis” must be that it should turn out—like the longer sides—just one
half the lower step, or rock-cut excavation. What this is, is not so
easily ascertained. In his letter to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, of
3rd April, 1857, Mr. Newton calls it 110 feet; in the text (p. 95) it
is called 108; while Lieut. Smith, who probably made the measurement,
calls it 107 (Parl. Papers, p. 20). The latter, therefore, we may
assume is the most correct. If the above hypothesis is correct, it
ought to have been 106·31 English or 105 Greek feet, which most
probably was really the dimension found; but as it did not appear to
the excavators that anything depended upon it, they measured it, as
before, carelessly and recorded it more so.
In the meanwhile, therefore, we may assume that the width of the cella
was 52 feet 6 inches, or 30 Babylonian cubits. The width of the lower
step on the east and west fronts was 105 Greek feet, or 60 cubits
exactly.
Of course this is exactly in the proportion of 5 to 6 with the longer
step, which, as we found above, was 72 cubits or 126 Greek feet; and
this, as we shall presently see, was the exact height of the building
without the quadriga, the total height being 80 cubits or 140 Greek
feet.
_Pyramid._
Having now obtained a reasonable proportion for the lower step of the
Pyramid, 100 by 80 Greek feet, the remaining dimensions are easily
ascertained.
Mr. Pullan, using the nearly correct measure of 17 English inches for
the shorter step, obtained 32 feet 6 inches English for the spread of
the pyramid in one direction. It need hardly be remarked that when
there were 24 joints, and each stone sloped slightly backwards instead
of having its face perpendicular to its bed, it is impossible now to
attain any minute accuracy in this dimension; but 32·5 ft. English
is so nearly 32 Greek feet (it ought to have been 32´·4) that we may
fairly assume that that was the dimension intended, the difference
being very slightly in excess of one inch.
In the other direction Mr. Pullan obtained 39´ 11-1/2´´ English; but
as it is impossible, for the reasons just stated, to ascertain to half
an inch what this dimension really was, we may assume this to be 40
English feet; and as Mr. Pullan used the erroneous measurement of 21
English instead of 21 Greek inches, we at once obtain 40 Greek feet
for the spread in the longer direction, or again in the ratio of 4 to 5.
This leaves a platform on the summit of 20 Greek feet by 16, on which
to erect the pedestal or meta, which is to support the quadriga. The
question is,—is it sufficient?
According to Mr. Pullan’s drawings (Plates XVIII. and XX.), the group
measures 15 feet English in length by 13´ 6´´ across, and 12´ 6´´ from
the extreme hoof on one side to that on the other. This, however,
hardly accords with the facts stated in the text.[15] It is stated
at page 162, that the horses measure each 3 feet 6 inches across the
chest, which alone makes 14 feet, supposing them to stand with their
shoulders touching each other. Between the two central horses was the
pole, which may have measured 9 inches, and as it could hardly be
supported otherwise, if of marble, probably touched the shoulder of the
horse on either side; and, allowing the same distance between the two
outer horses, we get 16´ 3´´ English, or, as near as may be, 16 Greek
feet for the extreme width of the group. This, however, is probably
overstating the matter; 3´ 6´´ seems an extreme measurement, in so
far as I can ascertain. There is no proof that they were all so, and
6 inches is sufficient for the width between the outer horses. This
dimension may therefore be stated as between 15 and 16 Greek feet.
The width of the plinth would be less than either, for a horse stands
considerably within his extreme breadth, and I need hardly say that
anywhere, but more especially at such a height as this, a sculptor
would bring the hoof as near the edge of the plinth as possible. In the
Museum, there is one hoof of one of the chariot-horses placed within 2
inches of the edge of the stone on which it stands; but this does not
seem to have been an outside stone; though the same dimensions would be
ample if it were. There is no difficulty, therefore, in this dimension;
the plinth probably may have been 15 Greek feet, which would allow 6
inches either way for the projection of the step.
In the other direction, the length seems somewhat excessive. From
the front to the rear hoofs of the horses, there may have been about
10 feet; the chariot-wheel is said to have been 7 ft. 7 in., and the
length of the pedestal required would consequently be about that
dimension, or 17 ft. 7 in. English. It is probable, however, that the
figure of the Goddess stood outside the chariot behind, and this would
easily fill up the whole. But at the same time, is it quite clear
that the chariot stood as assumed above, or parallel to the longer
axis of the building? The principal approach, we know from Vitruvius,
was from the south. The pyramid was steepest on that side, and there
would be infinitely more symmetry in the principal group facing in
that direction than in the other. In that case, we must assume that
the horses that have been recovered are the central ones, and in
comparative repose. The outer ones would be in more violent action,
and spread wider. This is, perhaps, more a sculptor’s question than
an architect’s: but my own feeling is strongly in favour of the last
hypothesis. It seems more in accordance with what we know of Greek art,
and artistically I cannot help fancying it would look better from every
point of view than if the chariot group was placed, as in Plate II.,
facing towards the longer sides of the building.[16]
Before leaving the pyramid, there is one little matter which requires
adjustment. Two steps were found differing from the others, and
measuring 9 inches and 10-1/2 inches in width respectively. Mr. Pullan
places these at the top of the pyramid, where it appears they must have
made a very unpleasing break in the uniformity of the lines. I fancy
they were the lowest steps of all.
[Illustration: 5.—SECTION OF CYMATIUM AND OF BASE OF PYRAMID.]
As will be observed from the diagram (Woodcut No. 5) the lowest step
of the pyramid is buried to half its height in the gutter behind the
cymatium; and with that projecting 2 feet beyond, it could not be seen
anywhere within
400 feet of the building,—practically not at all. At the same time I am
inclined to believe that the lowest visible step was at least twice as
high as the others. The authority for this is, of course, the Lion Tomb
(Woodcut No. 1); but I think every architect will agree that a pyramid
fading away behind a cymatium, without any marking line, would be most
unpleasing architecturally; and especially when the pyramid slopes
upwards at so low an angle, and is placed so high, the arrangement
seems especially wanted. Assuming this, the 9-inch step is just what is
required to bring the taller step perpendicular over the frieze, and
preventing the cymatium at the same time appearing to have too great a
projection at such points as it could be seen from. Mr. Pullan makes
the whole height of the twenty-four steps equal to 25 feet English.
If this were added it would be 26, or about 25 feet 9 inches Greek;
leaving thus 11 feet 9 inches for the height of the meta or pedestal of
the quadriga.
In so far as any accordance with Pliny’s dimensions is concerned,
the height of the pyramid steps is not of the smallest consequence.
Whatever is added to the pyramid must be taken from the meta; whatever
is taken from the meta, which there is nothing to govern, must be added
to the pyramid. What its height really was, can only be ascertained
when some system of definite proportions for the vertical heights of
the building shall have been satisfactorily settled, which, as will
be explained farther on, is rather difficult to establish absolutely,
though easy to fix within certain tolerably narrow limits.
_Vertical Heights._
With regard to the vertical heights, there is absolutely no difficulty
in making them agree with those found in Pliny. The pyramid,—“in metæ
cacumen se contrahens,”—was 25 Greek cubits, or 37 ft. 6 in. The order
was the same in height exactly, and if we choose to assume that the
expression “pyramis altitudine inferiorem æquavit” referred to the
pteron as the “lower part,” it comes out correctly. If we add to the
pyramid the quadriga, estimating that at 13´ 9´´, we have 51´ 3´´, and
taking the same quantity for the basement, we have
Greek Ft. In.
For the pyramid and quadriga 51 3
For the basement 51 3
For the pteron 25 cubits 37 6
——————
140 0
or exactly the dimensions found in Pliny.
All this is so clear and so satisfactory, that there the matter might
rest. There is no real necessity to look further, were it not that one
or two peculiarities come out in the investigation which seem worthy of
being noted.
In restoring the basement, after making its entablature of such
proportions as seemed to me most appropriate, I was surprised to find,
on applying a scale, that I had obtained exactly 37 ft. 6 in. for the
height from the ground line to the soffit over the piers. Though I
have tried several other dimensions since, this seems so appropriate
that, as very little depends on it, we may allow it to stand.
Assuming this, therefore, we find the height dividing itself into
three portions, each of which was 37 ft. 6 in., and two which seem to
be 13 ft. 9 in. each. But if this were so, we come to the difficulty
that there is no very obvious rule of proportion between these parts,
which there certainly ought to be. Even if we add the two smaller ones
together we obtain 27 ft. 6 in., which, though nearly, is not quite in
the ratio of 3 to 4 to the larger dimension of 37 ft. 6 in. If we add
to the first 9 inches we get the exact ratio we require; but by this
process increase the height of the building by that dimension, which is
impossible.
The explanation of the difficulty may perhaps be found in the fact
that the order overlaps the pyramid nearly to that extent, as is seen
in the diagram (Woodcut No. 5.) It is by no means improbable that the
architects made the pyramid 37 ft. 6 in. from the bottom of the bottom
step,—as they naturally would,—and measured the order to the top of the
cymatium; and consequently these two dimensions added together did not
make 75 feet, but 74 ft. 3 in., or something very near to it.
There is a curious confirmation of this in another dimension which
must not be overlooked. At page 24 we found the extreme length of the
building to be 126 feet, or 72 Babylonian cubits. This ought to be the
height; and so it is, to an inch, if we allow the quadriga to have
measured 14 Greek feet. Mr. Newton, it is true, makes it only 13 ft. 3
in. English, but it was necessary for his theory of restoration to keep
it as low as possible; and, though it may have been only that height,
there are no data to prevent its being higher, nor indeed to fix its
dimensions within the margin of a foot. Considering the height at which
it was seen, there is everything to confirm the latter dimension, which
has besides the merit of being exactly one-tenth of the total height of
the building.
From these data we obtain for the probable height of the different
parts of the building the following:—
Ft. In.
Height of basement to soffit 37 6
Entablature of ditto 14 0
Pteron, to top of cymatium 37 6
Pyramid 37 6
Quadriga 14 0
———
140 6
Deduct for overlap 6[17] (9?)
———
140 0
or exactly 80 Babylonian cubits, which is probably the dimension Hyginus
copied out, though either he or some bungling copier wrote “feet” for
“cubits,” just as the lithographers have altered all Mr. Pullan’s
decimals of a foot into inches, because they did not understand the
unusual measures which were being made use of.
There is still another mode in which this question may be looked at.
It appears so strange that the architects should have used one modulus
for the plan and another for the height, that I cannot help suspecting
that in Satyrus’s work the dimensions were called 21 Babylonian or 25
Greek cubits, or some such expression. The difference is not great (9
inches), and it seems so curious that Greek cubits should have been
introduced at all that we cannot help trying to find out how it was.
In the previous investigation it appeared that the only two vertical
dimensions obtained beyond those quoted by Pliny which were absolutely
certain were 126 feet or 72 cubits for the height of the building,
and 8 cubits or 14 feet for the quadriga. Now, if we assume thrice
21 cubits for the height, we have 63 cubits, and this with 8 cubits
for the quadriga, and 9 for the entablature of the basement, making
together 17 cubits, complete the 80 we are looking for. In other words,
we return to the identical ratios from which we started, of 17´´ and
21´´, if these figures represented in inches the dimensions of the
steps, as they are always assumed to be by Messrs. Newton, and Pullan,
and Smith. If it were so, nothing could be more satisfactory; but, to
make the ratio perfect, the last dimension, instead of 9 cubits, ought
to be 8·8; so that we should get a total of 4 inches too short, instead
of being in excess, as it was by the last calculation.
It would, of course, be easy to apportion this as one inch to each of
the four parts; but that is inadmissible in a building planned with
such exactitude as this, and I therefore merely state it in order to
draw to it the attention of some one cleverer at ratios than I am,
confessing that I am beaten, though only by an inch.
Personally I feel inclined to believe that the architects were content
to use the figures of their plan in determining their heights, and
made them 8, 9, 21, 63, 72, 80 cubits, &c., and to obtain this were
content with the imperfect ratio of 17 to 21. By this process it will
be observed that they obtained the ratio that the first figure should
be 1/8 and 1/10 of the two last respectively, and the second figure 1/7
and 1/8 of 63 and 72 respectively; and there may be other ratios which
I have failed to detect. The real difficulty is, that this involves
abandoning to a certain extent Pliny’s figures, which at present I
do not feel inclined to agree to. All this, however, is mere idle
speculation, in no way affecting the scheme of restoration, though
amusing as a problem in Greek art.
_Architectural Ordinance._
Having now obtained all the dimensions of the building, except the
411 feet as the “totus circuitus” mentioned by Pliny, to which we
shall come presently, the next point is to explain the architectural
peculiarities of the structure.
Unfortunately neither Pliny nor any other ancient author gives us the
smallest hint as to how the interior of the building was arranged, and
were it not for Guichard’s narrative we should have nothing but the
analogy of other buildings to guide us. His account of the remains,
and of the discovery of the chamber in the basement, is so clear, so
circumstantial, and in every respect so probable, that there does not
seem any reason to doubt that it was substantially correct, and no
restoration can be accepted which does not admit of and explain its
details.
Although it is true no such catastrophe is expressly mentioned by any
author, the position in which the horses of the quadriga were found
renders it almost certain that the upper part of the building had been
shaken down by an earthquake prior to the year 1402.
Had the building been perfect, it is hardly probable that even such
barbarians as the Knights of St. John would have knocked it down; but,
be this as it may, in 1522 it seems that the basement was covered up
by the _débris_ of the upper part and other rubbish, probably also by
the sand and dust entangled in the heap. In consequence of this it was
not till after a considerable quantity of the ruins had been removed
that the Knights “saw an opening such as would lead into a cellar, and,
taking a candle, let themselves down into the interior, where they
found a beautiful large square hall, ornamented all round with columns
of marble, with their bases, capitals, friezes, cornices, engraved and
sculptured in half-relief. The space between the columns was lined with
slabs and bands or fillets of marble of different colours, ornamented
with mouldings and sculptures in harmony with the rest of the work,
and inserted in the white ground of the wall, where battle-scenes were
represented sculptured in half-relief.”[18]
It is not quite clear whether the hole the Knights found was in the
roof of the apartment or in its side, at some height above the floor.
I strongly suspect the latter, but of this more hereafter. From
the description it is quite clear that this hall was not the cella
surrounded by the pteron as described by Pliny; for on any theory of
restoration the floor of that must have been 50 feet from the ground,
and it could consequently neither have been buried nor could the
Knights have descended into it. It must have been in the basement,
and if so must have been lighted. For it need hardly be stated that
the Greeks would never have applied such an amount of ornamentation
to a hall where it could not have been perfectly seen.[19] It could
not have been lighted by windows in the ordinary sense of the term,
as its walls could not be less than 21 feet thick, but there seems no
difficulty in introducing any amount of light required by the mode
suggested in the accompanying plan and sections.[20] As shown there,
there are four openings on each side, 17 feet high by about 6-1/2 wide,
opening into a corridor 8 ft. 6 in. in width, which was separated from
the outer air by piers 4 feet in width. It was, in fact, a _peristele_
under a _peristyle_. As these words exactly express the difference
between the two corridors, they will be so used in future—peristele
(from περι and στήλη, a stele) being used for the lower, and peristyle
(from στυλος, a column) for the colonnade which it supported. If more
light was wanted, it could be introduced to any desired extent at the
end opposite the door, but the eight openings shown in the plan are, it
is conceived, more than sufficient. By this arrangement, too, the light
is introduced in the most pleasing manner. The direct rays of the sun
could never penetrate the sepulchral chamber, but a diffused high light
was introduced sufficient to show all its beauties without disturbing
its repose.
The existence of some such arrangement as this appears indispensable in
order to understand the passage in Martial:—
“Aere nec vacuo pendentia Mausolea
Laudibus immodicis Cares ad astra ferant.”
It is absurd to suggest that this might refer to some little structural
difficulties about a roof, as no roof was ever less seen than that
of this building. Besides, a roof is not a mausoleum; but the upper
chamber here was so called, according to Pliny; and the fact,
therefore, of people being able to walk round the building and see the
town on one side, or the shipping and the sea on the other, through it,
_under its floor_, may well have led the Halicarnassians to boast that
their great tomb was supported in the air. This would in those days be
even more striking than at present, inasmuch as there was not, so far
as we now know, a single two-storied temple or tomb of any importance
then existing.
With regard to the dimensions of the chamber, we found above that
the upper one was, externally, 63 Greek feet by 52 ft. 6 in., or in
the ratio of 5 to 6; and if we deduct half an intercolumniation, or
3 cubits, for the thickness of the walls, we attain 52 ft. 6 in. by
42 feet for the internal dimensions; which is probable, inasmuch as
it comes out in the ratio of 4 to 5, and is besides a very probable
constructive dimension with reference to the mass of the roof, which
was almost wholly supported on these walls. The dimensions of the lower
apartment were in all probability identical with those of the upper
room. With regard to the mode in which the upper chamber was lighted
there can be no difficulty. Four windows are introduced in each side,
similar in design to those of the Temple of Minerva Polias at Athens.
Less would do; but as it is easier to subdue than to increase the
light, it probably was thus.
Both these rooms probably had flat marble roofs. The lower one almost
certainly had; and if so, there must have been columns in the centre,
as it would have been impossible to throw a marble beam across an
apartment 42 feet in width. These pillars would not only add very
considerably to their beauty architecturally, but may also to a certain
extent have been useful in steadying the external roof; not indeed that
this was required, for, whether it was constructed on the principle
of a horizontal or of a radiating arch, the abutment and walls are
quite sufficient for its support. At this day we should certainly
employ a radiating construction; the architects may have preferred the
horizontal arch in those days.
For the upper chamber I have suggested a niche at the upper end,
opposite the door, where an altar probably was placed; and on either
side I fancy there would be sarcophagi, not to contain bodies, but to
suggest rites. Such at least is the usual arrangement in all the great
tombs I know.
If this apartment was as magnificent as I suppose it to have been,
there was, of course, easy access to it, which may without difficulty
be attained by the means suggested on the plan (Plate I.). According to
this scheme, as a visitor entered the building between the two great
piers in the eastern front, he might either ascend by the stairs on his
right hand or his left to the peristele; or by the great door in front
of him, beyond the stairs, he might enter the lower chamber. From the
peristele a second flight of equal extent led to a landing from which a
third flight gave access to the peristyle in such a manner as to leave
the entrance to the chamber as unencumbered as possible, as probably an
altar was placed there.
It will be observed that each of the flights of stairs was perfectly
lighted, the lower and upper being open above, and the intermediate
flight open from the side. Their existence here will also explain why
the intercolumniation was deeper by one-half in front of the cella than
in the flanks. But for this difference, the stairs, instead of being 5
ft. 6 in. in width, could barely have been 2 feet wide.
The only other apartment for which it is necessary to find a place in
the building is the tomb itself. This fortunately is no difficulty, as
the excavated stairs at the west end of the building, and the big stone
which was found there, certainly indicate its whereabouts, even if they
do not actually fix the spot. Besides this, the expressions used by
Guichard in themselves almost suffice—“It was situated beyond a low
doorway, after the manner of an antechamber.” This cannot, of course,
apply to a vault under the hall first discovered by the Knights, but
describes accurately such a chamber as the wider intercolumniations
at the further end would fully admit of, while the fact of the stairs
being excavated[21] gives the requisite height without interfering with
the peristele above.
In the plan and sections I have suggested stairs leading down to it;
and even if it is insisted that the Tomb of Mausolus, on the right, was
walled up,[22] and the stones let down immediately after the interment,
it does not follow that the Tomb of Artemisia, which probably was on
the left, may not have been accessible long afterwards; and there may
have been other vaults beneath to which it was desirable to give means
of access.
There may also have been recesses for sarcophagi or urns in the
thickness of the walls on either side of the principal chamber, as
represented in the plan; but these are details it is hardly worth while
entering into at present. There is no authority for them, so every one
may supply or reject them as suits his own fancy.
_Lacunaria._
One further merit of the restoration just described is, that it
entirely gets over the difficulty of the Lacunaria of the peristyle,
which rendered Lieut. Smith’s proposal so inadmissible. With the
arrangement of the columns here suggested, and the dimensions obtained
for the cella, the greatest width to be spanned in front and rear is
only 14 Greek feet—2 feet 8 inches less than Mr. Pullan makes it.
Although it is just such an increase as this that makes the difficulty
in most cases, neither of these dimensions ought to be considered
insuperable, inasmuch as in the Propylæa at Athens a marble roof is
thrown over a clear space of 18 feet 6 inches English; and though it
may be suggested that the roof over these Lacunaria was lighter, that
does not alter the case. No part of the external roof of the Mausoleum
rested on these beams, and they therefore were not affected by its
weight.
It is not necessary here to go into a detailed examination of the one
lacunar stone that has been found and brought home. Mr. Pullan thinks
it requires a 10 feet intercolumniation, Mr. Cockerell one of 8 feet
9 inches; but neither know, or can know, what part of the building it
comes from, or whether it was placed lengthways or transversely to
the beams. Under these circumstances there would be no difficulty in
finding it a place, either in the long lacunaria at either end of the
cella, or the shorter ones in the flanks, or in the square ones which
are found at each angle of the building; or, if none of these will do,
one may be provided internally to suit any shape. There is, in fact,
no direct evidence bearing on this subject; but my impression is, that
the arrangement of the roof, as suggested by the intercolumniation
here adopted, must have been a singularly pleasing one. The four great
lacunaria at the angles, being exactly square, would not only be very
grand in themselves, but form a pleasing transition between the two
other forms which ornament the flanks and front.
As all these points will be more easily understood by an inspection of
the plans and sections, it is unnecessary to add more verbally about
them here; and it only remains to say a few words about the sculpture
and the pedestals on which it stood, before concluding the description
of the building.
Before doing so it may be as well to recapitulate some of the principal
measures obtained from the preceding investigation.
Basing the whole on the width of the principal step, or 21 Greek
inches, equal to 1 Babylonian cubit, we found 2 cubits, or 3 ft. 6
in., equal to the distance between one Lion’s head and the next;
three Lions’ heads, or 6 cubits, equal to one intercolumniation; six
intercolumniations, or 36 cubits, equal to 63 feet, or the length of
the cella; twice that, 126 feet, or 72 cubits, equal to the length
of the lower step, which is also the height of the building without
the quadriga. The lower step of the pyramid was 100 feet by 80, its
spread 40 feet in one direction by 32 in the other, the meta 20 feet
by 16—all in the ratio of 5 to 4; the cella internally, 42 feet by 52
ft. 6 in., or as 4 is to 5; externally, 52 ft. 6 in. by 63 ft., or as 5
is to 6—these three dimensions being in the ratio of 4, 5, and 6; the
peristyle one intercolumniation on the flanks, one and a half in front.
Measured transversely across the base, we found—
Ft. In. Cubits.
For the width of the cella 42 0 or 24
Twice 21 for the width of the peristele is 42 0 ” 24
5 ft. 3 in. × 2 equal to 10 ft. 6 in. for the pedestals 10 6 ” 6
5 ft. 3 in. × 2 ” ” for the steps 10 6 ” 6
——————— ——
Length of lower step 105 0 = 60
Lengthways we found—
Ft. In. Cubits.
For the length of the cella 63 0 or 36
Width of the stairs or sepulchral chamber 21 ft. × 2 42 0 ” 24
Width of pedestals and steps as above 21 0 ” 12
——————— ——
Length of lower step 126 0 72[23]
The total circumference, measured on the lower step, was—
Feet. Cubits.
126 feet, or 72 cubits × 2 = 252 or 144
105 ” 60 ” × 2 = 210 ” 120
——— ———
462 264[24]
It is not necessary to say anything further with regard to the vertical
heights. Till the system of definite proportions of the monument are
more fully worked out than they can be in such a work as this, it will
be better to adhere literally to Pliny’s measurements as they stand
in the text. They explain and fix all the vertical dimensions with
sufficient precision for all practical purposes, though I cannot help
suspecting that even he was wrong to the extent of an inch or two here
or there, from not exactly understanding the subject he was treating.
All this, however, is of no consequence in so far as the design is
concerned, and therefore of secondary interest here.
_Sculpture and Pedestals._
Of the three friezes that were found in the excavations, two are
so similar that they were generally mistaken for parts of the same
composition. The reasons, however, assigned by Mr. Newton for believing
that they were different are so cogent as to leave very little doubt
of the fact that they were so. The first of these, of which the Museum
possesses 16 slabs, represents a combat of Amazons, and may therefore
be called the Amazon frieze. The second, which is very similar, in like
manner represents a combat of Lapithæ and Centaurs, and may therefore
be called by their name. The last, which is in lower relief and less
weather-worn, represents, principally at least, a chariot race.
The two first are so similar in dimensions and style that they were
evidently parts of the same system of decoration. One, there can be
little doubt, belonged to the order, the other to the basement; but
there do not seem to be any sufficient data for ascertaining which;
and, as it is not of the least consequence for the purposes of the
restoration, I shall not enter upon the question at present. They are
so similar in dimensions as well as in design and in relief that either
may be taken.
To us, who only think of getting the full value of our money in
whatever we do, it seems difficult to understand why so much labour and
such careful art should have been bestowed on a frieze which was to be
placed at a height of 80 feet from the spectator’s eye.[25] But the
Greeks slurred nothing, and seemed to have felt an innate satisfaction
in knowing that a work was perfect and true, even if the eye could
not grasp it, which must have been the case with many of the minuter
proportional ratios which they considered so important.
In estimating this, we must not lose sight of the beauty of the
climate and clearness of the atmosphere, which rendered things sharply
visible at distances whence all would be hazy confusion in our grey
atmosphere. Nor must we forget that all the principal features of the
architecture were certainly accentuated by colour, and even if it is
contended that the figures themselves were not painted, no one now
hardly will deny that they were relieved by a painted background; and
it is very difficult to believe that the colour could have stopped
there. When new, the white marble, relieved and surrounded by coloured
architecture, must have been a most painful and intolerable discord;
and although the figures may not have been painted to look like life,
it hardly seems doubtful but that the flesh was tinted and the robes
coloured, at least to such an extent as to distinguish them, not only
from the flesh, but from one another.
Traces of colour have been found on some of the bassi-rilievi of the
Mausoleum. The lions certainly were painted, and with no sparing hand;
and the colours found on the architecture were strong and distinct, as
they generally are.
With such adjuncts and in such a climate, even at a distance of 80
feet, all the principal features of the frieze could easily have been
distinguished, and the effect of it, in so far as we can judge, must
have been something worthy of all the admiration lavished on this
building.
The chariot-race frieze may either have been placed in one of the
interior halls of the building, or it may have encircled the cella
immediately under the roof, like the celebrated Panathenaic frieze of
the Parthenon. On the doctrine of chances some fragments ought to have
been found of the internal sculpture described by Guichard; and for
myself I feel inclined to fancy this may be a part; but if not, its
position was almost certainly the one hinted at just now, and shown in
the plates.
The square tablets in like manner were also probably internal; but if
not, their position would, I fancy, certainly be the back wall of the
cella, under the peristyle. There being no windows there, some relief
would be required, and these seem appropriate for the position, which
is that suggested by Mr. Pullan; though he marred his suggestion by the
position of his frieze, and by giving no access to either.
Besides these a considerable number of statues were found larger
than life; namely, some 7 or 8 feet in height. These, following the
suggestion of the Xanthian monument discovered by Sir Charles Fellows,
I have placed in the peristele,—not the peristyle. I cannot fancy any
position in which statues would either be more appropriate, or seen
to greater advantage. Their dimensions require that they should be
placed at some height above the eye. It is here 17 feet, and no niche
could be better than the plain surface of the stele on either side,
with the subdued shadow behind. In no building, ancient or modern, do
I know any situation where statues would be so advantageous to the
architecture, and on the other hand where the architecture would assist
so advantageously in heightening the effect of the sculpture.[26]
In the tomb discovered by Mr. Falkener at Denzili, and which is
evidently a copy of the Mausoleum, the pyramid is supported by just
such a range of steles as have been introduced here, but with this
curious peculiarity, that instead of the statues being placed between
the piers, one is sculptured in mezzo rilievo on each face of the
stele. The reason of this is obvious enough: there being no cella in
that small monument (there are only 6 steles altogether), there would
have been a strong light behind the statues and in the spectator’s
eyes, which would have rendered the expression of the statues
invisible. As it is, it is one of those instances of intelligent
copying so common in ancient and so rare in modern times.
We next come to the Lions. Fragments of some 20 of these were
discovered. From their weather-worn appearance, and the general
exigencies of the case, it is certain that they were placed on
pedestals outside the building. There is no difficulty in providing
these:—the design requires that there should be 7 such on the south,
and as many on the north face of the building, each 5 feet 3 inches in
length; and 5 pedestals on the west, and 2 on the east, in like manner
5 ft. 3 in. long. These dimensions are exactly suited to the dimensions
of the Lions found, which, as far as can be ascertained, were about 4
feet 6 inches long, from head to hind-quarter, though some seemed about
3 inches longer than the others, probably those on the longer faces of
the building.
According to the evidence of Mr. Newton’s book, all these were
standing. As an architect I should have liked them better if they had
been couchant, and it seems probable that some at least were sitting.
Two are represented in that attitude in the Dilettante Society’s plate
of the Castle at Budrum, and I cannot help thinking that a more careful
examination would show an attitude of more repose in the others. In
all that concerns sculpture, however, I bow to Mr. Newton’s authority,
and accept the facts as he states them. Their being standing seems to
necessitate pedestals for the statues of the peristele, which otherwise
it might have been better to have dispensed with. Taking them either
as sitting, standing, or couchant, they give life to and relieve the
basement to a very great extent.
Besides these 21 I have added two Lions of larger size on each side of
the portal, where the larger pedestals seem to require their presence.
These I have made couchant, their length thus ranging with the standing
lions on either side.
I have also taken the liberty of suggesting 4 couchant lions on
pedestals at the 4 angles of the roof. The authority for this
suggestion is the monument at Dugga (Woodcut, No. 2), where four corner
stones cut into the pyramidal roof at the angles in this manner, and
were evidently surmounted by sculpture or ornament of some similar
character; but more than this, I feel that something is necessary here
in order to support the central pedestal that carried the quadriga.
Without this it would look isolated and hardly a part of the general
design. Besides this, the grouping of the columns at the angles seems
to suggest something of the sort, while on the other hand an architect
would probably introduce some such arrangement in order to justify the
grouping.
Altogether these roof pedestals seem to me so essential to the design
that I have no hesitation in saying I believe they must have been
there; but as there has been nothing found to suggest them,—though
nothing either to contradict their existence,—the suggestion must be
taken only for what it is worth, and it is quite open to any one to say
that he thinks them superfluous.
Having proceeded so far with the restoration, it is found that there
are two pedestals at each angle waiting for occupants. These measure
each 12 feet in front, by 5 ft. 3 in. on the sides. When I first found
these dimensions, it struck me that they were those of the pedestals
of the celebrated Monte Cavallo groups, and finding on inquiry that
I was correct in this, I jumped at once to the conclusion that these
beautiful sculptures once adorned this wonder of the world! Personally
I am still inclined to adhere to this opinion, but I feel so little
competent to decide such a question that I have not introduced them in
the perspective restoration, though I have suggested them on Plate II.,
and shall await with interest the opinions of others on the subject.
[Illustration: THE FIGURE
THE HORSE
6.—PEDESTAL OF MONTE CAVALLO GROUP.]
There can be no doubt but that they belong to the age of the Mausoleum
and no one seems to know where they came from, while the arrangement
of the group is certainly very peculiar (Woodcut, No. 6). It is true
it is quite impossible that the angle line of the building could have
been lost behind such a pedestal as this; and the two, if belonging
to the Mausoleum, must have stood on separate pedestals; but this I
think would have been an improvement; certainly so in that situation;
but when placed where no architectural exigencies suggested their
arrangement, nothing could be so easy as to bring them together as we
now find them by simply sawing through their pedestals on the dotted
line. At all events the coincidence is most remarkable, and it is
also a curious coincidence that Cicero should accuse Verres of robbing
Halicarnassus of its statues. Why not of these? We know how Mummius
plundered Corinth more than a century before that time. There seems no
inherent improbability in the case.
Assuming for the moment that these sculptures came from the Mausoleum,
there is no reason to suppose that there ever were more than two such
groups, and they would therefore have adorned the southern face, and
the figures would in consequence have been the work of Timotheus. There
would consequently be still four pedestals, which were almost certainly
occupied by men or Amazons on horseback, such as the torso in the
Museum, which is avowedly the most beautiful thing which was found in
the excavations. These pedestals, both from their position and size,
are just such as are required for this kind of sculpture, and such as
would show it off to the greatest advantage. The one question seems
to be, were all the eight pedestals adorned with similar sculptures,
or were four occupied by the Monte Cavallo groups, and four by the
prancing Amazons?[27]
It only now remains to refer to one of Pliny’s dimensions, which
could not be explained till these pedestals and their uses were
established. The great puzzle of his description always was, that with
the dimensions given for other parts, the “totus circuitus” should be
411 feet. This is evidently no loose measurement or mere guess, but
a dimension copied out of the book of the architects, and unless it
can be absolutely incorporated with the design, no restoration can
for one moment be allowed to pass muster. The plain meaning, as I
understand it, is that this was the girth of the building; it is such
a measurement as a man would take of the bole of a tree, or, in other
words, of any object of which he wished to know what the length of a
tape or rope would be which he could bind round it,—in this instance on
the upper step.
Turning to the plan (Plate I.) and to the measurements (page 37), we
find the north and south faces measure 105 Greek feet, the east and
west 84 feet—together, 378 feet; each angle measures across 7 ft. 6
in., and adding this 30 feet to the above, we obtain the total of
408, or 3 feet too short. This slight difference, however, is easily
accounted for. That dimension is taken over the waist of the pedestals,
and by allowing 4 inches for the projection of the plinth, which is
a very probable amount of projection, we get the exact dimension of
411 feet we are seeking for, as measured on the upper step of the
building, which is where we should naturally look for it. Not only,
therefore, does this offer no difficulty, but it is a most satisfactory
confirmation of all that has been urged before.
CONCLUSION.
On some future occasion it may be worth while to go more fully into all
the minor details of this important building, and to illustrate it to a
greater extent than has been attempted in this short treatise; not only
because it was the building which the ancients, who ought to have been
the best judges, admired most of all their architectural treasures, but
because it is the one which illustrates best the principles on which
their great buildings were designed.
It might, therefore, be well worth while to treat it as a typical
example and use it to illustrate not only the principles of Greek
design in general, but more particularly to explain the doctrine of
harmonic proportions in accordance with which they all were designed,
and of which it is, in so far as we at present know, the most perfect
example the knowledge of which has come down to our times.
All that has been attempted on the present occasion is, to point out
the main broad features of harmonic proportion which governed the
principal dimensions of the building; but the “order” was also full
of minute and delicate harmonies worthy of the most intense study.
To elucidate these something more is required than a hap-hazard
restoration, such as that which is found in the plates attached to Mr.
Newton’s work, with the superinduced confusion of the lithographers’
inaccuracies. Every fragment requires re-examination, and every part
re-measurement; but to do this requires not only unlimited access to
the remains, but power to move and examine, which would not, of course,
be granted, to me at least. But if it were done, and if the details
were published, with the really good specimens of the sculpture, all
of which are omitted from Mr. Newton’s present publication, the public
might then come to understand what the Mausoleum really was, and why
the ancients admired it so much.
The building is also especially interesting, because it is more
complicated in its parts and more nearly approaches the form of civil
architecture than anything that has yet come to our knowledge. Almost
all the Greek buildings hitherto explored are Temples, generally
formal and low in their outline. For the first time, we find a genuine
two-storied building, which, though covering only half the area of the
Parthenon, is twice its height, and contains a variety of lessons and
suggestions it would be in vain to try to extract from mere templar
buildings.
This building seems also to have a special interest at the present
moment, inasmuch as we are now looking everywhere for the design
of some Memorial which should worthily commemorate the virtues of
the Prince whose loss the nation is still deploring. It would be
difficult to suggest anything more appropriate for this purpose than a
reproduction of the Monument which excited so much the admiration of
the ancient world, and rendered the grief of Artemisia famous through
all succeeding generations.
[Illustration: PLATE I
ROOF PLAN. UPPER STOREY.
STAIRS EXCAVATED
IN THE ROCK.
PLAN
of the
MAUSOLEUM
SHEWING ITS ARRANGEMENTS ON
FOUR DIFFERENT LEVELS.
BASEMENT PLAN. LOWER STOREY.
Scale of Greek Feet.
Scale of Babylonian Cubits, each of 21 Greek Inches.
J. FERGUSSON, DEL.
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE ST. LONDON.
KELL BRO^S. LITH^{RS}, CASTLE ST. HOLBORN.]
[Illustration: PLATE II
HALF SECTION. HALF ELEVATION.
EAST FRONT OF MAUSOLEUM.
Scale of Greek Feet.
Scale of Babylonian Cubits, each of 21 Greek Inches.
J. FERGUSSON, DEL.
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE ST. LONDON.
KELL BRO^S. LITH^{RS}, CASTLE ST. HOLBORN.]
[Illustration: PLATE III
HALF SECTION. HALF ELEVATION.
SOUTH SIDE OF MAUSOLEUM.
Scale of Greek Feet.
Scale of Babylonian Cubits, each of 21 Greek Inches.
J. FERGUSSON, DEL.
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE ST. LONDON.
KELL BRO^S. LITH^{RS}, CASTLE ST. HOLBORN.]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Of this class one of the best known is the steeple of St. George’s
Church, Bloomsbury, which its architect supposed was a correct
restoration of the Mausoleum.
[2] xxxvi. v. “Scopas habuit æmulos eadem ætate Bryaxim et Timotheum
et Leocharen, de quibus simul dicendum est, quoniam pariter cœavere
Mausoleum; sepulchrum hoc est ab uxore Artemisia factum Mausolo Cariæ
regulo, qui obiit Olympiadis cvii anno secundo: opus id ut esset
inter septem miracula, hi maxime fecere artifices. Patet ab austro et
septemtrione sexagenos ternos pedes, brevius a frontibus, toto circuitu
pedes quadringentos undecim; attollitur in altitudinem viginti quinque
cubitis; cingitur columnis triginta sex; pteron vocavere circuitum. Ab
oriente cœlavit Scopas, a septentrione Bryaxis, a meridie Timotheus,
ab occasu Leochares, priusque quam peragerent regina obiit; non tamen
recesserunt nisi absoluto jam, id gloriæ ipsorum artisque monimentum
judicantes; hodieque certant manus. Accessit et quintus artifex; namque
supra pteron pyramis altitudine inferiorem æquavit, viginti quatuor
gradibus in metæ cacumen se contrahens. In summo est quadriga marmorea,
quam fecit Pythis; hæc adjecta centum quadraginta pedum altitudine
totum opus includit.”
[3] vii. Pref.
[4] The dimensions of the walls of this peribolus, as found in these
excavations, accord with tolerable accuracy with those here given.
[5] Vitruvius, II. viii. 37 and 37.
[6] Pausanias, viii. 16.
[7] Newton, page 73.
[8] These seven axioms or canons were furnished to me by Mr. Lloyd as
leading results of his researches, after I had explained to him my
theory of the mode in which the Mausoleum ought to be restored.
[9] If we can depend on Mr. Perring’s determination, the Egyptian
cubit used in fixing the dimensions of the Great Pyramid was more
than half an inch shorter than the Babylonian or Halicarnassean cubit
used for that purpose in the Mausoleum. As far as can be ascertained,
the Egyptian equalled 1·713 foot English, while the other was 1·771;
the difference being fifty-eight thousandths of a foot, or nearly
two-thirds of an inch.
[10] They are so much broken and so carelessly put together in the
Museum, that, if we had no other evidence, it might be contended they
were either 20-1/2 inches or 21-1/2; but on a fair average measurement
there can be no doubt that 21 Greek inches is the correct modulus.
[11] It is hardly worth while to allude to Mr. Pullan’s dimension of
10 English feet from centre to centre. It agrees with no fact and no
theory.
[12] As I first restored the building I placed a square anta in the
angles, with pilasters on each face, as are found in the angles of the
Erectheium at Athens. I had overlooked the fact that a capital was
found with an angular volute, which settles the question; but I still
think that architecturally the square pier arrangement would have been
the best.
[13] Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than the system of scales
used in Mr. Newton’s work. They are in feet and decimals of a foot; a
mode of notation very rarely used for any purpose, and never, so far
as I know, adopted by any architect in his professional practice. The
consequence is that such scales are not to be purchased; and if ordered
there is the greatest possible difficulty in getting them made. The
inconvenience is aggravated in this case by the slovenly practice of
not putting scales to the plates: all the information the engraver
condescends to is “Scale 1 ÷ 30,” or “1 ÷ 10,” &c., as the case may be.
The consequence is that not one person in a hundred understands to what
scale the drawings are made, and not one in a thousand will take the
trouble to construct the scales which are indispensably necessary to
enable him to study the plates.
[14] As a proper punishment for the introduction of so troublesome a
novelty as these decimal scales, either the draftsman or lithographer
has separated by a dot all the first figures of the decimals in the
plate of the restored order (Plate xxii.). A dimension, therefore,
which reads 2·96 or two feet eleven inches and a fraction in plate
xxi., reads 2 ft. 9·6, or two feet nine inches and a fraction, in
plate xxii. The lower diameter, which scales three feet six inches and
one-third, reads three feet five inches and one-third, and so on. In
fact, nine-tenths of the dimensions are absolutely wrong. The remaining
tenth are right by accident; but most of these are so, simply because
the lithographer has been too lazy or too inaccurate to put any sign by
which they can be read. All this not only increases tenfold the labour
of consulting the plates, but renders it doubtful whether frequently
it is not a mere fighting with shadows to contest any theory on such
documents.
[15] In a note in p. 162 it is stated that “the wheel is made somewhat
smaller than its true scale, as if drawn in strict elevation it would
convey a false impression of the effect of the original group.” On what
theory, it is difficult to understand; but there is nothing to intimate
that the figures or horses are not to the scale 1 ÷ 10, which is marked
on the plate. Either, however, the text or the drawing is wrong; unless
both are so, which seems probable.
[16] In Plate II. of this work the chariot group is represented as
facing transversely, in the Frontispiece and Plate III. as facing
longitudinally to the building. It may be as well to mention here that
I have introduced several such discrepancies into the plates, which are
neither oversights nor errors. This is one; another is that, in Plate
II., the lions at the angles of the pyramid are omitted, but inserted
in the other three plates: a cymatium has been introduced as crowning
the order of the base in one plate, and another moulding substituted
in the others. The Monte Cavallo groups have been introduced in Plates
I. and III. and omitted elsewhere. The object of these alterations
is that, as these are mere suggestions, they are offered as such in
order that the reader may exercise his own judgment regarding them.
The dimensions, and all those parts which are certain, are repeated
throughout; but, unless some further discoveries are made, there must
always be some details which must be left to the taste or the knowledge
of the restorer.
[17] There is a discrepancy of three inches in this dimension, which
must be apportioned somewhere. I fancy it is to be found in the
cymatium gutter, but this could only be ascertained from a thorough
re-examination of the fragments themselves.
[18] See page 11 ante.
[19] The mode of lighting Greek temples and Greek buildings generally
has never fully been investigated by architects. I read a short paper
on the subject at the Royal Institute of British Architects on the 18th
of November last; and though that is an amplification of my remarks in
the True Principles of Beauty in Art some fourteen years ago, it is far
from exhausting the subject. But it is enough to prove that the mode of
introducing light was as perfect and as beautiful as every other part
and every other contrivance of Greek architecture.
[20] Plates I. II. and III.
[21] These stairs, indicated by dotted lines in the plan (Plate
I.) being on one side, clearly indicate that the sepulchre was not
symmetrically placed to occupy the centre of the building. Curiously
enough, the Tomb at Mylassa (Woodcut No. 3) has a doorway placed
unsymmetrically, for no reason that can be guessed, unless it were in
imitation of its celebrated prototype. What also is curious is that
at Mylassa a pillar stands directly over the centre of the doorway
leading into the principal chamber of the tomb, exactly as occurs
at Halicarnassus, and that chamber has a flat stone-roof, as here
suggested, for the Mausoleum.
[22] The ease with which the Knights got access to this tomb would
entirely contradict the supposition of its being walled up, if it was
the Tomb of Mausolus they reached. It may have been that of the Queen.
[23] The building that most resembles the Mausoleum in design and
dimensions among the products of modern art is probably the Arc de
l’Etoile at Paris. Its length (rejecting fractions) is 150 feet
English, its width 75. Its “totus circuitus” is therefore 450 as
compared with the 416 of the Mausoleum. But, on the other hand, the
area covered by the latter building is more than 2000 feet in excess of
that covered by the former. The height of the Arc de l’Etoile is 150
feet to the cornice of the attic, and therefore considerably in excess,
and it was intended to have been crowned with a quadriga, which, with
its low pedestal, would have added 45 feet to this dimension, thus
making up 195 feet as compared with 141·7, which was the total height
of the Mausoleum. It is, however, one of the peculiarities and one of
the principal beauties of the design of the Mausoleum, that it would
have looked very much larger and probably even higher than the “Arc,”
had it occupied its situation; and it is quite certain that a chariot
group 14 feet high would look larger and more dignified on a pedestal
raised on a pyramid, as at Halicarnassus, than would one twice that
height on the great flat roof of the “Arc.” In the one case the group
compares with a base of 20 feet by 16, in the other with a great flat
measuring 150 feet by 75. At Halicarnassus one-tenth of the whole
height was quite sufficient for the crowning group; at Paris one-fifth
would hardly have sufficed to produce the same effect.
[24] It may be accident, but it is a curious coincidence, that the
number of feet read backwards gives the number of cubits,—the number of
cubits read backwards, the number of feet.
[25] The upper frieze of St. Paul’s Cathedral is 95 feet from the
ground.
[26] In St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, the architect provided situations
for statues in nearly a similar manner. As compared with these, the
defects of his arrangement are that the spaces are too large and the
shadows behind not deep enough.
[27] In the perspective drawing forming the title-page, these pedestals
seem to break up the base of the building too much. If seen more in
front either way this effect would have been avoided. As explained
above, the dimensions necessitate a projection between the top step
and the face of the peristele of 5·3. This must either have been a
shelf or broken up as here suggested. I cannot conceive that it was the
former for many obvious reasons, while the latter seems to me not only
appropriate architecturally, but to be indispensable to the display of
the sculpture. They exactly fulfil the part that is performed by the
buttresses in Gothic architecture.