7 Wonders of the World: A Guide to the Most Amazing Structures Ever Built
Have you ever wondered what are the most amazing structures ever built by human beings? If so, you are not alone. For centuries, people have been fascinated by the incredible achievements of ancient civilizations, who created monuments, buildings, tombs, temples, and statues that still inspire awe and admiration today.
7 wonders of the world
In this article, we will explore the 7 wonders of the world, a list of the most remarkable man-made creations of classical antiquity. We will learn about their location, history, features, and facts, as well as why they are important for our culture and heritage. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of these wonders and hopefully feel inspired to visit them someday.
Introduction
What are the 7 wonders of the world?
The 7 wonders of the world are a collection of seven ancient structures that represent the pinnacle of human engineering, architecture, art, and culture. They are:
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Egypt, and the only one that still exists today.
The Colosseum, a massive amphitheater in Rome, where gladiators, animals, and criminals fought for the entertainment of the public.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a legendary garden complex in Mesopotamia, that featured exotic plants, waterfalls, and terraces.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, a towering structure on an island near Egypt, that served as a beacon and a landmark for sailors.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a magnificent tomb in Turkey, that housed the remains of a Persian king and his wife.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, a colossal statue in Greece, that depicted the king of the gods sitting on a throne.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, a splendid temple in Turkey, that honored the goddess of hunting and nature.
How were they chosen?
The 7 wonders of the world were not chosen by a single person or authority. Rather, they were based on guidebooks popular among ancient travelers, who visited different places around the Mediterranean region and the Near East. These guidebooks listed various monuments and attractions that were considered worthy of admiration and praise. However, not all guidebooks agreed on which structures were the most impressive or important. Therefore, different versions of the list existed over time.
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The most famous version of the list was compiled by Antipater of Sidon, a Greek poet who lived in the 2nd century BC. He wrote a poem that described seven wonders that he had seen or heard of. His poem was later quoted by other writers such as Strabo and Philo of Byzantium. His list included all the structures mentioned above except for the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which he replaced with the Walls of Babylon. However, later writers such as Pliny the Elder and Pausanias restored the Lighthouse to its rightful place.
Why are they important?
The 7 wonders of the world The 7 wonders of the world are important for several reasons. First, they showcase the ingenuity, creativity, and skill of ancient civilizations, who were able to construct such magnificent structures without the aid of modern technology. They demonstrate how humans can overcome natural and human-made challenges, such as harsh terrain, limited resources, political conflicts, and religious beliefs. They also reflect the diversity and richness of different cultures, who expressed their values, beliefs, and aspirations through their architecture and art.
Second, they inspire curiosity, wonder, and admiration among modern people, who can appreciate the beauty, complexity, and mystery of these structures. They also motivate people to learn more about the history, geography, and culture of the places where they are located. They encourage people to travel and explore the world, and to respect and preserve the heritage of other civilizations. They also challenge people to create their own wonders, that can improve the quality of life and the environment for future generations.
The 7 Wonders of the World
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Location and history
The Great Pyramid of Giza is located in Egypt, on the west bank of the Nile River, near the city of Cairo. It is part of a complex of pyramids, temples, and tombs known as the Giza Necropolis. It was built around 2560 BC as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, the second ruler of the Fourth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. It took about 20 years and an estimated 2.3 million blocks of stone to complete. It was originally covered with white limestone casing stones that gave it a smooth and shiny appearance.
Features and facts
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza. It is also the only one of the 7 wonders of the world that still exists today. It has a height of 146.5 meters (481 feet), a base length of 230.4 meters (756 feet), and an angle of 51 degrees. It has three chambers inside: the King's Chamber, the Queen's Chamber, and the Subterranean Chamber. It also has several shafts that connect the chambers with the outside. The purpose of these shafts is still unknown.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is considered to be one of the most impressive engineering feats in history. It is aligned with the cardinal points (north, south, east, and west) with remarkable precision. It also incorporates complex mathematical and astronomical knowledge, such as the golden ratio, pi, and the Orion constellation. Some theories suggest that it was built as a symbol of power, a representation of the cosmos, or a device for resurrection.
The Colosseum
Location and history
The Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy, in the center of the city. It is also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, after the dynasty of emperors who commissioned it. It was built between 72 AD and 80 AD by Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, as a gift to the Roman people. It was used for various spectacles and events, such as gladiator fights, animal hunts, mock naval battles, executions, dramas, and reenactments of famous battles. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators.
Features and facts
The Colosseum is one of the largest and most iconic amphitheaters in the world. It has an oval shape with a perimeter of 527 meters (1,729 feet), a length of 189 meters (620 feet), a width of 156 meters (512 feet), and a height of 48 meters (157 feet). It has four levels of seating divided by social class: senators and nobles on the lowest level; knights and wealthy citizens on the second level; ordinary citizens on the third level; women and slaves on the fourth level.
The Colosseum is also a marvel of engineering and design. It has an underground system of tunnels and chambers called hypogeum that housed animals, gladiators, machines, and props for the shows. It also had a retractable canvas roof called velarium that provided shade and ventilation for the spectators. It also had a sophisticated drainage system that allowed it to be flooded for naval battles. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Location and history
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a legendary garden complex in Mesopotamia, that featured exotic plants, waterfalls, and terraces. They were located near the royal palace in Babylon, the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which is now in southern Iraq. They were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II (who ruled from 605 to 562 BCE) for his wife, Amytis, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland, Media (now in Iran).
The Hanging Gardens are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but they are also the most mysterious and disputed. There are no extant Babylonian texts that mention the gardens, and no definitive archaeological evidence has been found in Babylon. Some scholars doubt that they ever existed, and suggest that they were either purely mythical or based on another location, such as Nineveh or Sardis. Others believe that they were real, but destroyed by earthquakes or wars in ancient times.
Features and facts
The Hanging Gardens were described in detail by several ancient Greek and Roman writers, such as Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, and Quintus Curtius Rufus. According to their accounts, the gardens consisted of a series of ascending terraces, supported by stone columns and arches. The terraces were filled with rich soil and planted with various kinds of trees, flowers, herbs, and vines. The gardens were irrigated by a complex system of pumps, canals, and reservoirs that brought water from the nearby Euphrates River.
The Hanging Gardens were not only a marvel of engineering and design, but also a symbol of power and beauty. They represented the king's love for his wife, his mastery over nature, and his glory as a ruler. They also attracted visitors from far and wide, who admired the splendor and variety of the plants and the refreshing coolness of the water. The gardens were said to be so magnificent that they surpassed even the natural wonders of the world.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
Location and history
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a towering structure on an island near Egypt, that served as a beacon and a landmark for sailors. It was located on the island of Pharos, at the entrance of the harbor of Alexandria, one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world. It was built in the third century BCE by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, one of the successors of Alexander the Great, who founded the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.
The Lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the tallest man-made structures in history. It was also a feat of engineering and architecture, combining Greek, Egyptian, and Persian influences. It was damaged by several earthquakes between the tenth and fourteenth centuries CE, and eventually collapsed and disappeared. Its ruins were used to build a medieval fort on the same site.
Features and facts
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was described by many ancient and medieval writers, such as Pliny the Elder, Strabo, and Arab geographers. According to their descriptions, the lighthouse had a rectangular base, an octagonal middle section, and a cylindrical top section. It had a height of about 120 meters (394 feet), equivalent to a modern 40-story building. It had three levels of windows and balconies, and a spiral staircase inside. On top of the lighthouse was a large lantern that housed a fire that burned at night.
The Lighthouse was not only a practical device for navigation and communication, but also a symbol of culture and civilization. It represented the power and prestige of the Ptolemaic kings, who patronized science, art, and literature. It also reflected the cosmopolitan nature of Alexandria, which was home to diverse peoples and religions. The lighthouse was admired by travelers and scholars alike, who considered it one of the wonders of the world. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Location and history
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a magnificent tomb in Turkey, that housed the remains of a Persian king and his wife. It was located in the city of Halicarnassus, the capital of the ancient region of Caria, which is now part of the modern province of Mugla. It was built in the fourth century BCE by Artemisia II, the widow and sister of King Mausolus, who ruled Caria as a satrap (governor) under the Persian Empire.
The Mausoleum was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the most splendid monuments of its time. It was also a masterpiece of art and architecture, involving the collaboration of several famous Greek sculptors and architects. It was destroyed by a series of earthquakes between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries CE, and its stones were reused for other buildings. Its fragments are now displayed in various museums around the world.
Features and facts
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was described by several ancient writers, such as Pliny the Elder, Vitruvius, and Strabo. According to their descriptions, the mausoleum had a rectangular base, a pyramidal roof, and a monumental statue on top. It had a height of about 45 meters (148 feet), equivalent to a modern 15-story building. It had three main sections: a podium, a colonnade, and a pyramid. The podium was a platform that supported the rest of the structure. The colonnade was a row of 36 columns that surrounded a chamber that contained the sarcophagi of Mausolus and Artemisia. The pyramid was a stepped structure that rose above the colonnade and ended with a flat top. On top of the pyramid was a statue of Mausolus and Artemisia riding a chariot pulled by four horses.
The Mausoleum was not only a grandiose tomb, but also a tribute to the love and power of Mausolus and Artemisia. They were both admired for their political and military achievements, as well as their cultural patronage. They also shared an incestuous relationship, which was common among some royal families in ancient times. The mausoleum was decorated with elaborate sculptures and reliefs that depicted scenes from Greek mythology, history, and culture. The mausoleum was so famous that it gave its name to all large tombs: mausoleums.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Location and history
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a colossal statue in Greece, that depicted the king of the gods sitting on a throne. It was located in the temple of Zeus in Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which is now in the modern region of Elis. It was built in the fifth century BCE by Phidias, one of the most renowned sculptors of classical antiquity.
The Statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the most revered images of Zeus. It was also a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship, made of ivory and gold plates over a wooden framework. It was destroyed by fire in the fifth century CE, when it was moved to Constantinople (now Istanbul) by Christian emperors who wanted to protect it from pagan vandals.
Features and facts
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was described by several ancient writers, such as Pausanias, Strabo, and Cicero. According to their descriptions, the statue had a height of about 13 meters (43 feet), equivalent to a modern four-story building. It showed Zeus sitting on a cedar wood throne that was adorned with gold, ivory, ebony, precious stones, and paintings. Zeus wore a golden wreath on his head, held a scepter in his left hand, and carried a statue of Nike (the goddess of victory) in his right hand. His face had a majestic and serene expression.
The Statue was not only an impressive representation of Zeus, but also an expression of religious devotion and artistic excellence. It represented the supreme authority and benevolence of Zeus, who presided over the Olympic Games and all aspects of human life. It also reflected the skill and vision of Phidias, who used advanced techniques such as chryselephantine (a combination of gold and ivory) and contrapposto (a pose that creates natural movement). The statue was considered to be one of the finest works of Phidias, who also created the statue of Athena Parthenos in the Parthenon. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Location and history
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a splendid temple in Turkey, that honored the goddess of hunting and nature. It was located in the city of Ephesus, one of the most prosperous and influential cities in the ancient world, which is now in the modern province of Izmir. It was built in the sixth century BCE by King Croesus of Lydia, who conquered Ephesus and made it his capital. It was rebuilt several times after being destroyed by fire, flood, and war.
The Temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and one of the largest and most beautiful temples ever built. It was also a center of worship and pilgrimage, attracting devotees and visitors from all over the Mediterranean region. It was finally demolished by a Christian mob in 401 CE, led by Saint John Chrysostom, who denounced the pagan cult of Artemis. Its stones were used for other buildings or taken away by treasure hunters.
Features and facts
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was described by several ancient writers, such as Herodotus, Pliny the Elder, and Antipater of Sidon. According to their descriptions, the temple had a rectangular base, a colonnade of 127 columns, and a roof with a central opening. It had a length of 115 meters (377 feet), a width of 55 meters (180 feet), and a height of 18 meters (60 feet). It had three doors that led to a cella (inner chamber) that contained a statue of Artemis made of wood, gold, silver, and jewels.
The Temple was not only a magnificent structure, but also a tribute to the power and glory of Artemis, who was the patron goddess of Ephesus and one of the most popular deities in the ancient world. She was associated with fertility, wildlife, childbirth, and protection. She was also revered as a virgin goddess who rejected marriage and men. The temple was decorated with sculptures and paintings that depicted scenes from her myths and legends. The temple was also a source of pride and wealth for Ephesus, which benefited from the trade and tourism that it generated.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have explored the 7 wonders of the world, a list of the most remarkable man-made creations of classical antiquity. We have learned about their location, history, features, and facts, as well as why they are important for our culture and heritage. We have seen how these wonders showcase the ingenuity, creativity, and skill of ancient civilizations, who created monuments, buildings, tombs, temples, and statues that still inspire awe and admiration today.
We have also seen how these wonders inspire curiosity, wonder, and admiration among modern people, who can appreciate the beauty, complexity, and mystery of these structures. We have also seen how these wonders motivate people to learn more about the history, geography, and culture of the places where they are located. We have also seen how these wonders encourage people to travel and explore the world, and to respect and preserve the heritage of other civilizations. We have also seen how these wonders challenge people to create their own wonders that can improve the quality of life and the environment for future generations.
Call to action for the readers
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and that you have learned something new about the 7 wonders of the world. If you are interested in learning more about these wonders or visiting them someday, we recommend that you check out some of the following resources:
[The Seven Wonders]: A website that provides detailed information and images about each wonder.
[The New7Wonders Foundation]: A global campaign that aims to promote cultural diversity and heritage by selecting new wonders based on public voting.
[Lonely Planet]: A travel guide that offers tips and advice on how to plan your trip to see the wonders.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you have found it informative and entertaining. If you have any questions or comments about this article or any other topic related to travel or history, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
FAQs
Q: How many wonders are there in total?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question. Different lists have different criteria and numbers of wonders. The most famous list is the one that includes the 7 wonders of the ancient world mentioned in this article. However, there are other lists that include wonders from different periods or regions, such as the 7 wonders of the medieval world, the 7 wonders of the modern world, or the 7 wonders of nature. You can explore these lists on [The Seven Wonders] website.
Q: Which wonder is your favorite and why?
A: This is a difficult question to answer, as each wonder has its own charm and significance. However, if we had to choose one, we would probably pick the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, because they are the most mysterious and intriguing of the wonders. We would love to see how they looked like and how they were built, and to experience their beauty and tranquility.
Q: Are there any wonders that you think should be added to the list?
A: There are many other amazing structures that could be considered as wonders, depending on your criteria and preferences. Some examples are the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Machu Picchu in Peru, the Petra in Jordan, the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, and the Eiffel Tower in France. You can vote for your favorite candidates on [The New7Wonders Foundation] website.
Q: How can I visit the wonders?
A: Unfortunately, you can only visit one of the original 7 wonders of the world today: the Great Pyramid of Giza. The rest are either destroyed or lost. However, you can still see some of their remains or replicas in museums or archaeological sites. You can also learn more about them through books, documentaries, or online resources. If you want to visit the Great Pyramid or any other wonder from different lists, you can consult [Lonely Planet] for travel tips and advice.
Q: How can I create my own wonder?
A: Creating your own wonder is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. You need to have a vision, a passion, and a skill that can make your dream come true. You also need to have a purpose, a message, and an impact that can make your wonder meaningful and memorable. You can start by finding inspiration from other wonders or from your own imagination. You can also seek help from experts, mentors, or collaborators who can support you and guide you. You can also use tools, materials, or technologies that can help you realize your vision and overcome any challenges.
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