Seven Wonders of ancient & modern World
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
More than 2,000 years ago, travelers would write about incredible sights they had seen on their journeys. Over time, seven of those places made history as the "wonders of the ancient world."
1.Colossus of Rhodes
Built in the fourth century B.C. on the island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean Sea.
A 110-foot (33.5-meter) statue honored the Greek sun god Helios.
2.The Pyramids of Giza
Built: About 2600 B.C. Egypt
Massive tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, the pyramids are the only ancient wonders still standing today. The tallest of the three is called the Great Pyramid.
3.Lighthouse of Alexandria
Built in the third century B.C. in Egypt.
Towering over the Mediterranean coast for more than 1,500 years, the world's first lighthouse used mirrors to reflect sunlight for miles out to sea.
4.Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Built: Unknown, in Iraq. Legend has it that this garden paradise was planted on an artificial mountain and construct to please the wife of King Nebuchadnezzar II, but many experts say it never really existed.
5.Statue of Zeus
Built in the fifth century B.C. in Greece
This 40-foot (12-meter) statue depicted the king of the Greek gods.
6.Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Built in the fourth century B.C. in Turkey
This elaborate tomb was built for King Mausolus and admired for its architectural beauty and splendor.
7.Temple of Artemis
Built in the sixth century B.C. in Ephesus, Turkey
Built to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, this temple was said to have housed many works of art.
Of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Great Pyramid of Giza still stands; the others (Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus, Temple of Artemis, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, Lighthouse of Alexandria) were destroyed by earthquakes, fire, or other causes, though remnants or artifacts exist for some, with the Hanging Gardens' existence debated.
In 2000 a Swiss foundation launched a campaign to determine the New Seven Wonders of the World. The final results, which were announced in 2007,
New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)
(A per Encyclopedia Britannica)
1.Great Wall of China, near Beijing.
Great might be an understatement. One of the world’s largest building-construction projects, the Great Wall of China is widely thought to be about 5,500 miles (8,850 km) long. Work began in the 7th century BCE and continued for two millennia.
2.Chichén Itzá in MexicoEl Castillo (“The Castle”),
Chichén Itzá is a Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, which flourished in the 9th and 10th centuries CE. Under the Mayan tribe Itzá—who were strongly influenced by the Toltecs—a number of important monuments and temples were built. Among the most notable is the stepped pyramid El Castillo (“The Castle”), which rises 79 feet (24 meters) above the Main Plaza.
3.Petra: the KhaznahThe Khaznah (“Treasury”) at Petra, Jordan.
The ancient city of Petra, Jordan, is located in a remote valley, nestled among sandstone mountains and cliffs. It was purported to be one of the places where Moses struck a rock and water gushed forth. Noted carvers, the Nabataeans am Arab tribe chiseled dwellings, temples, and tombs into the sandstone, which changed color with the shifting sun. In addition, they constructed a water system that allowed for lush gardens and farming.
4.Machu Picchu, Peru
This Incan site near Cuzco, Peru, was “discovered” in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, who believed it was Vilcabamba, a secret Incan stronghold used during the 16th-century rebellion against Spanish rule. The purpose of Machu Picchu has confounded scholars. Bingham believed it was home to the “Virgins of the Sun,” women who lived in convents under a vow of chastity. Others think that it was likely a pilgrimage site, while some believe it was a royal retreat. Despite its relative isolation high in the Andes Mountains, it features agricultural terraces, plazas, residential areas, and temples.
5.Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer, a colossal statue of Jesus, stands atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Its origins date to just after World War I, when some Brazilians feared a “tide of godlessness.” They proposed a statue, which was ultimately designed by Heitor da Silva Costa, Carlos Oswald, and Paul Landowski. Construction began in 1926 and was completed five years later. The resulting monument stands 98 feet (30 meters) tall—not including its base, which is about 26 feet (8 meters) high—and its outstretched arms span 92 feet (28 meters). It is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world.
6. The Colosseum, Rome.
The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century by order of the Emperor Vespasian. A feat of engineering, the amphitheater measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters) and features a complex system of vaults. It was capable of holding 50,000 spectators, who watched a variety of events. Perhaps most notable were gladiator fights, though men battling animals was also common. In addition, water was sometimes pumped into the Colosseum for mock naval engagements.
7.Taj Mahal, India
This mausoleum complex in Agra, India, is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic monuments and is perhaps the finest example of Mughal architecture. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahān (reigned 1628–58) to honor his wife Mumtāz Maḥal , who died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child. It took about 22 years and 20,000 workers to construct the complex, which includes an immense garden with a reflecting pool. The mausoleum is made of white marble that features semiprecious stones in geometric and floral patterns. Its majestic central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes.
Compiled by
Ms Naresh kuwar
