Discover the Fascinating History of the 7 Wonders of the World on Wikipedia
7 wonders of the world wikipedia have captured our imagination and sparked wonder for centuries. These remarkable structures, both natural and man-made, have stood the test of time and continue to amaze us with their grandeur and significance.
While most of us are familiar with the concept of the 7 Wonders, there is a wealth of information and history behind each of these iconic wonders. From the original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World to the modern-day New 7 Wonders, the evolution of this list is a fascinating journey, and there is no better source to explore it than Wikipedia.
Introduction to the 7 wonders of the world wikipedia
The 7 Wonders of the World are a collection of awe-inspiring sites that represent the pinnacle of human achievement and the magnificence of nature. The concept of the 7 Wonders dates back to the 2nd century BC, when Greek historian Antipater of Sidon created a list of the “seven places worth seeing” for travelers. 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.
Over time, this original list has evolved and expanded to include new wonders that have captivated people’s attention. Today, we have two lists of 7 Wonders – the original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the New 7 Wonders of the World.
History and Evolution of the 7 Wonders
The history of the 7 Wonders can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who believed that there was a certain order to the world and that these specific structures represented that order. The original list of 7 Wonders was created to guide travelers on their journey and inspire them with the magnificence of these structures.
However, as time passed, many of these ancient wonders were destroyed or fell into ruins, leaving only the Great Pyramid of Giza standing. In the 16th century, renowned artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci attempted to recreate the lost wonders, but his efforts were not successful.
In the modern era, the concept of the 7 Wonders was revived in various forms. In 2000, a Swiss foundation launched a campaign to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World through an online vote. Millions of people from around the world participated in the voting, and the results were announced in 2007.
The Original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
The original list of 7 Wonders of the Ancient World has intrigued people for centuries, and each of these wonders has a fascinating story behind it.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Great Pyramid of Giza
The oldest and only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. It was built around 2560 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu and is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex. To this day, it remains a mystery how the Egyptians managed to build such a massive structure with such precision.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Believed to have been built in 600 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a lavish display of wealth and power. It was said to have been a lush garden with terraces, waterfalls, and exotic plants, but its exact location and existence have been a subject of debate among historians.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Located in modern-day Turkey, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting. It was built in 550 BC and was one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Sadly, the temple was destroyed by a mob in 356 BC and was never fully rebuilt.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
This colossal statue of the Greek god Zeus was created by renowned sculptor Phidias around 435 BC. It was more than 40 feet tall and was made of gold and ivory. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed in the 5th century AD, and today, only a few fragments remain.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Built in the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey), this grand tomb was constructed by Queen Artemisia for her husband, King Mausolus, in 350 BC. The mausoleum was adorned with intricate sculptures and was considered one of the most remarkable structures of its time. However, it was destroyed by earthquakes in the 12th and 15th centuries.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Colossus of Rhodes
Standing at over 100 feet tall, the Colossus of Rhodes was a bronze statue of the Greek titan Helios that was erected in 280 BC. It was toppled by an earthquake in 226 BC, and its pieces were later sold as scrap metal.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The tallest structure in the world when it was built, the Lighthouse of Alexandria stood at over 350 feet and was completed in 280 BC. It was destroyed by several earthquakes in the 14th century, and its remains can still be seen underwater off the coast of Egypt.
The New 7 Wonders of the World
The New 7 Wonders of the World were chosen through an online voting campaign launched by a Swiss foundation in 2000. These wonders represent a more modern and diverse range of structures from different parts of the world.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – Chichen Itza
Located in Mexico, Chichen Itza is a Mayan city that was built between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its most famous structure is the El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, which is aligned with the movements of the sun. This ancient city is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – Christ the Redeemer
Standing at 98 feet tall, the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was completed in 1931 and has become a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Colosseum
An architectural marvel of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum was completed in 80 AD and could seat up to 80,000 spectators for gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other public entertainment events. Today, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Great Wall of China
One of the most recognizable structures in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and was constructed over several dynasties to protect China from invaders. It is considered one of the greatest feats of human engineering and is a symbol of Chinese resilience and strength.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – Machu Picchu
Located in Peru, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel built in the 15th century. It was abandoned after the Spanish conquest and remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1911. The impressive stone structures and terraces are a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Incas.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – Petra
Located in Jordan, Petra is an ancient city carved into the red sandstone cliffs. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and was established around the 6th century BC. The Treasury, a rock-cut temple, is the most famous and well-preserved structure in Petra.
7 wonders of the world wikipedia – The Taj Mahal
Considered one of the most beautiful and romantic structures in the world, the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife. Its stunning white marble architecture and intricate designs have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love.
Exploring the Magnificent Babylon A Wonder of the World
Controversies Surrounding the 7 Wonders
While the concept of the 7 Wonders has captured our imagination and inspired awe, there have been controversies surrounding both the original and new lists of wonders.
The original list of 7 Wonders has faced criticism for being biased towards Greek structures and ignoring the achievements of other ancient civilizations. Some historians also argue that some of the structures on the list never actually existed or were not as grand as described.
Similarly, the New 7 Wonders of the World have faced criticism for being chosen through an online voting campaign rather than through expert analysis and evaluation. There have also been debates about the inclusion and exclusion of certain structures from the list.
Facts and Figures about the 7 Wonders
- The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the original 7 Wonders, while the Lighthouse of Alexandria is the youngest.
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was the tallest of the original 7 Wonders, while the Colossus of Rhodes was the tallest of the New 7 Wonders.
- The original 7 Wonders were all located in the Mediterranean region, while the New 7 Wonders are spread out across different continents.
- The Great Wall of China is the only New Wonder that is still completely intact.
- The Taj Mahal is the only New Wonder that was built in the modern era.
Significance and Impact of the 7 Wonders
The 7 Wonders of the World hold great significance and have had a profound impact on different aspects of human culture and history. These wonders represent the human desire to create something remarkable and leave behind a lasting legacy.
The 7 Wonders have also become popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year and contributing to the local economies of their respective countries. They have also been a subject of fascination for artists and writers, who have immortalized these wonders in their works.
Moreover, the 7 Wonders have also inspired new technologies and advancements in engineering and architecture. The Great Pyramid of Giza, for example, has been used as a model for modern-day skyscrapers.
Comparison between the Old and New 7 Wonders
While both lists of 7 Wonders are remarkable in their own ways, they represent different eras and civilizations. The original 7 Wonders are a testament to the achievements of ancient civilizations and their advanced engineering skills, while the New 7 Wonders represent the diversity and progress of our modern world.
Moreover, the original 7 Wonders were all man-made structures, while the New 7 Wonders include natural as well as man-made wonders. This reflects our changing perception of what is considered wondrous and awe-inspiring.
Other Lists of Wonders in the World
Apart from the 7 Wonders of the World, there are several other lists of remarkable structures and sites around the world that have been compiled by various organizations and publications. Some of these include:
- Seven Natural Wonders of the World
- Seven Wonders of the Underwater World
- Seven Wonders of the Industrial World
- Seven Modern Engineering Wonders
Each of these lists highlights different aspects of human achievement and showcases the diversity and beauty of our world.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the 7 Wonders
The concept of the 7 Wonders of the World has evolved over time, but one thing remains constant – these wonders continue to inspire awe and wonder in people around the world. Whether we look to the ancient structures of the original 7 Wonders or the modern marvels of the New 7 Wonders, each of these wonders holds a unique significance and contributes to our understanding of human history and achievement.
Wikipedia serves as an invaluable source for information about the 7 Wonders, allowing us to explore their histories, controversies, and impact on our world. As we continue to discover and appreciate these wonders, we are reminded of our own potential to create something truly remarkable and leave behind a lasting legacy.
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