Turkish Mausoleum Has World’s Longest Poem in Antiquity

Satrap Hekatomnos must have been quite a king. An archaeological excavation revealed the longest poem in antiquity at the mausoleum of the Hekatomnos, an ancient ruler. The 121-verse poem is inscribed on the mausoleum’s stela, which is dated at 2,400 years old, and details the life and times of Hekatomnos. Researchers say the poem may have been even longer, as some words seem to have been removed from the stela.

Interestingly enough, Hekatomnos has a deep connection with the word “mausoleum.” Hekatomnos sired five children who became his heirs upon his death: Idrieus, Pixodarus, Artemisia, Ada, and Mausolus. Hektomnos’ son Mausolus went on to build the famous Mausoleum of Mausolus, coining the term which we all use today to refer to a building that houses the remains of the dead. As the father of the man whose name has survived the ages, Hekatomnos has left a legacy that continues millennia after his death. It’s no wonder that 121 verses were inscribed on his tomb.

Historians, epigraphists, and poets are delighted at the finding, which gives scholars much to translate, study, and extract meaning from. Like mausoleums architecture and design, mausoleum poetry is an ancient tradition that continues to this day. A number of mausoleums bear inscriptions dedicated to the deceased, including religious verses, poetry, letters, memories, and other inspiring words.

In ancient times, poets were treated very highly, with respect and admiration from the ruling classes. Tombs where poets were interred, such as Iran’s Maqbarat-o-shoara, or the Mausoleum of Poets, shows how valuable poetry is to the culture and history of a nation. In the modern world, poetry has lost the visibility it once had, but it is no less important an art. Hand-in-hand with the art and beauty of a mausoleum, the words of mausoleum poems have the power to inspire visitors for generations to come.

Writing Your Epitaph

What would you write on your memorial if you had the chance? It’s an odd thing to consider for many people, but doing so helps put things into perspective and also gives you a chance to communicate a lasting statement to the world. If religion is important to you, then choosing a mausoleum inscription is a simple task. Depending on your religion, certain verses from your chosen holy book are a popular choice. Those who want something more secular turn to verses from literature or the great poets of the world. Perhaps, for something more unique, you want the input of a family member or well-spoken family friend. Whatever you decide, your words will echo through the annals of time.

Mausoleum construction experts help you design your forever memorial so that visitors are able to access and view your inscription easily. Work with a Forever Legacy professional who helps you customize your mausoleum to achieve a personalized structure that stands the test of time. Call (800) 298-4188 for a private consultation.