ABSTRACT
This chapter describes two notions: First, the plan-topography of Halicarnassus as one which is privileged, memorable and exemplary, all in spite of its challenging location and in spite of our possible 'mis-aligned' views of it. And second, the links of the site to Vitruvius' architectural and planning imagination are examined in closer detail. The topography itself offered advantages that, blended with what could be called a loose grid, enabled a dynamic and defensible civic assemblage that would have awed and inspired any urban participant or visiting outsider. From the Hoepfner and Schwandner plan, we can readily confirm the principle set of planning features: The natural topography, which indicates the hills and the terraces onto which are located roadways and most significant monuments. It is exemplary, with a topography that includes a combination of flat surfaces and terraces onto which were located specific monuments and roadways. The topography of Halicarnassus is one which is presented as memorable and exemplary by Vitruvius.
