Seven Wonders of the World" is a list of remarkable constructions and natural phenomena from antiquity. The original list, known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was compiled by various Greek writers and travelers during classical antiquity. Today, there are several lists of wonders that include both ancient and modern marvels. Here are the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, followed by some modern interpretations:
The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt): The only surviving wonder of the ancient list, the Great Pyramid of Giza is an iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization. Built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC, it is the largest of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau and is made of millions of limestone blocks.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq): Described by ancient writers as a lush and verdant paradise, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to be a marvel of engineering and horticulture. While their existence has been debated by historians, they are thought to have been located in the ancient city of Babylon, near present-day Baghdad.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece): Created by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BC, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a massive seated figure of the god Zeus, made of ivory and gold. It once stood in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, where it was worshipped as one of the greatest achievements of Greek art.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey): Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a grand marble structure that served as a center of worship and commerce in ancient times. Rebuilt several times throughout history, it was one of the largest and most impressive temples of the ancient world.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey): Built in the 4th century BC as a tomb for Mausolus, the satrap of Caria, and his wife Artemisia II, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a magnificent marble structure adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs. It gave rise to the term "mausoleum" for grand tombs.
The Colossus of Rhodes (Greece): Erected on the Greek island of Rhodes around 280 BC, the Colossus of Rhodes was a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios. Standing over 30 meters tall, it was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world and served as a symbol of Rhodian wealth and power.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt): Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was a towering structure built on the island of Pharos in the 3rd century BC. Standing around 100 meters tall, it guided ships into the busy harbor of Alexandria with its bright beacon.
In addition to the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, there are numerous modern lists of wonders that showcase remarkable natural and man-made attractions from around the globe. These include the New7Wonders of the World, the New7Wonders of Nature, and other curated lists highlighting awe-inspiring destinations and landmarks.
Comments