Exploring the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania

The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania was built to be the burial site of Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s only daughter, Cleopatra Selene II. Like many ancient mausoleums, it has a fascinating history. 

Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Antony’s Child

While we won’t go into the details of Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s famous love story, we will tell you that their union produced a daughter. Princess Cleopatra Selene II was born in Egypt around 40 BC. The young princess was brought to Rome after her parents committed suicide following her father’s defeat in the Battle of Actium. 

Juba II’s Wife

Some 10 to 16 years after arriving in Rome, Cleopatra Selene II married Juba II, a Berber prince from modern-day Algeria. The couple ruled Mauretania, a Roman state spreading from Algeria and Morocco.

Cleopatra Selene’s Mausoleum

Queen Cleopatra Selene died around 6 BC. Her husband commissioned the construction of a royal tomb for her final resting place, which also was to house the remains of the entire royal family. When King Juba II died in 23 AD, he was placed in the mausoleum with his wife.

The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania was constructed entirely from stone. Here are some of its remarkable features:

• Circular form with a distinctive cone or pyramid top.
• Square base measuring approximately 200 to 209 feet.
• Exquisite decoration with 60 iconic columns, adding to its grandeur.
• Constructed entirely from stone for durability and longevity.
• Interior boasts two spacious vaulted chambers, connected by a short passage. One chamber measures 142 feet long by 11 feet wide (and 11 feet high).
• Stone doors with movable levers, allowing access to the chambers.
• Intriguing cross-like division lines on the false door. In French, the communal mausoleum is called the Tombeau de la Chrétienne or “the tomb of the Christian woman,” because the division lines on the false door have a cross-like shape.

The Mausoleum Today

Two centuries later, people can still visit this mausoleum, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania is a World Heritage Site and a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. However, this is just one of many ancient mausoleums found worldwide.

Consider your final resting place.

How do you want your family to be remembered? Just as Juba II built a beautiful funerary monument to celebrate his wife, you can do the same for your family. Consider constructing a private family mausoleum for your loved ones. 

Private mausoleums can be constructed in cemeteries or on private property. However, it’s crucial you work with a company that understands this unique type of building project that must be maintained for eternity.

Eternal Mausoleums by Forever Legacy is North America’s premier builder of private mausoleums. Please fill out our contact form to request a consultation, and we will share more about the process.

Key Takeaways

• The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, also known as the Tomb of the Christian Woman, was constructed with love for Queen Cleopatra Selene.
• The mausoleum’s architectural design was unique. It has a circular form topped by a cone or pyramid.
• Visitors can still visit this site, located in Algeria.