Introduction to the 7 wonders of the world 2022 list
7 wonders of the world 2022 list of the World have captivated and amazed people from all around the globe for centuries. These magnificent structures, both man-made and natural, have stood the test of time and continue to leave us in awe with their grandeur and beauty.
From the Great Wall of China to the ancient city of Petra, these wonders represent the best of human creativity, ingenuity, and determination. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of the 7 Wonders of the World, the criteria for choosing them, and the new 7 Wonders of the World 2022 list. We will also delve into the details of each wonder and explore why they are truly deserving of their esteemed titles.
The History of the 7 Wonders of the World
The concept of the 7 Wonders of the World dates back to the ancient world, specifically to the Hellenic era in Greece. The original list of 7 Wonders, known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was compiled by Philo of Byzantium, a Greek writer, and historian, in the 3rd century BC. The list included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
However, over time, many of these structures were destroyed or lost due to natural disasters, wars, and human activity. By the end of the Middle Ages, only one of the original 7 Wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza, remained standing. In the 19th century, a group of scholars and travelers came together to create a new list of wonders, known as the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, which included the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu. But this list was also short-lived as it did not have a proper governing body or criteria for selection.
The Criteria for Choosing the 7 Wonders of the World
In 2000, Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber launched a campaign to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World by creating a global contest in which people could vote for their favorite structures from a list of 200 nominations. This initiative aimed to celebrate diversity, foster unity, and promote cultural heritage among different nations. The final list of 7 wonders was announced in 2007 after millions of people from all over the world cast their votes.
The criteria for choosing the new 7 Wonders were based on three main principles: cultural relevance, architectural integrity, and popularity. The cultural relevance criterion states that the structures should be representative of human achievement and have a significant impact on society. The architectural integrity criterion requires that the structures are well-preserved and retain their original form and design. Lastly, the popularity criterion takes into account the public’s interest and support for the structures.
The New 7 Wonders of the World 2022 List
As we enter the year 2022, preparations are underway for a new list of 7 Wonders of the World. The process for selecting the new wonders began in 2008 when the New 7 Wonders Foundation was established as a non-profit organization. The foundation received over 600 million votes from people all around the world to determine the top 21 finalists for the new 7 Wonders of the World 2022.
These 21 finalists were then evaluated by a panel of experts and reduced down to 14 nominees. From these 14 nominees, the final 7 will be chosen through a combination of online voting and a jury of experts. The winners will be announced in 2022, making it the first time in history that the new 7 Wonders of the World will be announced on a specific date.
So far, 6 out of the 7 wonders have been confirmed, including the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Chichen Itza, and the Colosseum. The final wonder will be chosen from the remaining 7 nominees, which include the Taj Mahal, Easter Island, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower, the Hagia Sophia, the Sydney Opera House, and Neuschwanstein Castle.
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these 7 wonders and discover why they are truly deserving of a spot on the new list.
Machu Picchu: A Wonder of the World
Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel that was built in the 15th century. It is believed to have been used as a royal estate or sacred religious site for the Inca rulers. This magnificent structure was abandoned in the early 16th century and remained hidden until its discovery by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of Machu Picchu
The exact purpose and function of Machu Picchu are still a mystery, but historians believe that it was built as a retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti and his family. It is also believed that the city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, but the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu. It remained unknown to the outside world until its discovery in 1911.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Architecture of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is made up of over 200 structures, including temples, palaces, and houses, all constructed using the traditional Inca stone masonry technique. The most impressive structure is the Temple of the Sun, which is built on top of a natural rock outcrop and aligns with the sun’s rays during the solstices.
The city’s design also incorporates intricate irrigation systems and agricultural terraces that allowed for the cultivation of crops in the mountainous terrain. These features showcase the remarkable engineering skills and knowledge of the Incas.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Visiting Machu Picchu
Today, Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination, with over 1.5 million visitors annually. To preserve this wonder of the world, the number of visitors is limited to only 2,500 per day. Visitors can reach Machu Picchu by hiking the famous Inca Trail, taking a train from Cusco, or by bus from the town of Aguas Calientes.
The Great Wall of China: A Wonder of the World
One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles across the northern borders of China. This ancient defensive fortification was built over several centuries, with construction beginning in the 7th century BC.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built as a defense system against foreign invasions, particularly from the Mongols. It was first built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BC using materials such as earth, stone, and wood. Over time, the wall was expanded and fortified by different dynasties, including the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century AD.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Architecture of the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is not a single continuous wall but a series of fortifications built along the country’s northern border. It is made up of walls, watchtowers, and fortresses connected by steep steps and winding pathways. The wall’s height ranges from 20 to 30 feet, and it is wide enough for five horses to be ridden side by side.
The wall’s design also incorporated advanced defensive features such as arrow slits, smoke signals, and secret passages. These elements showcase the strategic planning and engineering skills of the Chinese people.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Visiting the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, with an estimated 10 million visitors annually. The most popular sections of the wall to visit are Badaling and Mutianyu, which have been restored and cater to tourists. Visitors can also hike along other sections of the wall that offer a more authentic and less crowded experience.
Petra: A Wonder of the World
Known as the “Rose City,” Petra is an ancient city carved into the sandstone mountains in southern Jordan. It was once the capital city of the Nabataeans, a nomadic tribe that settled in the area around the 6th century BC.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of Petra
Petra remained unknown to the Western world until its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Historians believe that the city thrived as a center for trade due to its strategic location on the Spice Route between Asia and Europe. However, it eventually declined and was abandoned during the Byzantine period in the 6th century AD.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Architecture of Petra
The most famous structure in Petra is the Treasury, a monumental tomb carved out of solid rock. Other notable structures include the Monastery, the Roman Theater, and the Royal Tombs. The city’s design also incorporates a sophisticated water management system, including dams, cisterns, and channels, which allowed for agriculture and trade.
The combination of natural rock formations and man-made structures at Petra creates a harmonious and breathtaking landscape.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Visiting Petra
Today, Petra is a popular tourist destination, with over 1 million visitors annually. The most common way to enter the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury. Visitors can explore the city on foot or hire a horse-drawn carriage or camel to take them around.
Christ the Redeemer: A Wonder of the World
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ standing at 98 feet tall, with an arm span of 92 feet. It is situated atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city and its iconic beaches.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of Christ the Redeemer
The idea for the statue was first proposed by a Catholic priest named Pedro Maria Boss in the late 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the project came to fruition, with the help of engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue was inaugurated in 1931 and has since become an important symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture.
Architecture of Christ the Redeemer
The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and is designed in the Art Deco style. Its open arms symbolize welcome and embrace, and the pedestal houses a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. Its location on top of Corcovado Mountain also adds to its grandeur and makes it visible from different parts of the city.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Visiting Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is one of Brazil’s most popular tourist attractions, with over 2 million visitors annually. To reach the statue, visitors must take a train or van ride through Tijuca National Park and then climb a series of stairs or take an escalator to the top. The view from the top is breathtaking, making it worth the trip.
Chichen Itza: A Wonder of the World
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Chichen Itza is a complex of Mayan ruins that date back to the 9th century AD. It was once the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of Chichen Itza
The city’s name translates to “at the mouth of the well of the Itza,” referring to the nearby Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole believed to have been used for human sacrifices. Chichen Itza was abandoned in the 15th century and remained hidden until its rediscovery by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Architecture of Chichen Itza
The most iconic structure at Chichen Itza is the El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This impressive structure stands at over 79 feet tall and has four staircases with 91 steps each, making a total of 364 steps. When added to the top platform, which makes 365, it equals the number of days in a solar year.
Other notable structures at Chichen Itza include the Temple of Warriors, the Great Ballcourt, and the Observatory. These structures showcase the advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and engineering of the Mayan people.
Visiting Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, with over 2 million visitors annually. The site is open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm every day, and visitors can explore the ancient structures on their own or hire a guide to learn more about the history and significance of each structure.
Colosseum: A Wonder of the World
Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, the Colosseum is an iconic amphitheater built during the Roman Empire. It is considered to be one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering, with a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – History of the Colosseum
Construction on the Colosseum began in 70 AD, and it was completed in 80 AD under the rule of Emperor Titus. It was used for gladiatorial games, public spectacles, and other forms of entertainment for almost 500 years until it fell into disrepair in the 6th century due to natural disasters and human activities.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Architecture of the Colosseum
The Colosseum is an elliptical structure made of concrete and stone, with a circumference of over 1,700 feet and a height of 157 feet. Its design incorporates a series of arches, columns, and corridors that allowed for efficient entry and exit of the audience. The arena floor was also made of wood and could be filled with sand for various events.
Today, the Colosseum remains a symbol of ancient Rome’s power and grandeur and attracts millions of visitors every year.
7 wonders of the world 2022 list – Visiting the Colosseum
Visitors can enter the Colosseum through the main entrance, known as the Arch of Constantine, and explore the different levels, corridors, and chambers of the structure. Guided tours are available to learn more about the history and significance of this architectural marvel.
Conclusion
The 7 Wonders of the World represent the best of human achievement and have stood the test of time, inspiring people for centuries. From the ancient wonders to the modern ones, these structures continue to amaze us with their grandeur, beauty, and historical significance. As we eagerly await the announcement of the new 7 Wonders of the World in 2022, let us appreciate and celebrate these magnificent structures that truly deserve a spot on the list.
Exploring the Upcoming Harry Styles Movie Everything You Need to Know
