Unveiling the New Seven Wonders of the World: What is the Second Wonder?
From ancient feats of engineering to modern symbols of hope, the Seven Wonders of the World capture humanity’s enduring ability to create awe-inspiring structures. These sites resonate across cultures, drawing millions and sparking curiosity about their history and significance. For enthusiasts of global marvels and historical achievements, understanding these iconic landmarks is a journey into the past and present, a perfect fit for Shocknaue Entertainment News‘ exploration of fascinating global topics. Many wonder about the specifics of these lists, often asking, What Is The Second Wonder Of The World?
The concept of listing the world’s most incredible man-made constructions dates back over 2,000 years to adventurous Hellenic travelers. Their original list, primarily focused on the Mediterranean, featured marvels like the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Sadly, time and disaster have claimed most of these ancient wonders, with only the Great Pyramid of Giza still standing. Recognizing this, the New7Wonders Foundation, established in 2001 by Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker Bernard Weber, launched a global poll to identify a new set of wonders for the modern era. Millions participated, casting votes for natural and man-made sites worldwide, resulting in the selection of seven new global icons.
Modern Seven Wonders including Christ the Redeemer statue, the Colosseum, and the Great Wall of China
While the New7Wonders Foundation doesn’t officially rank the chosen sites numerically, they are often listed in the order they were announced or by popular presentation. In many popular lists and based on the order presented in the source material, the second wonder of the world is widely considered to be the Great Wall of China. The list that emerged from this global vote celebrates remarkable architectural and historical sites across different continents.
The New Seven Wonders Explored
Let’s delve into each of these modern marvels, starting with the one often cited as the second on the list.
The Great Wall of China
Often appearing second in popular rankings, the Great Wall of China stands as an unparalleled testament to ancient defensive engineering. Spanning thousands of miles along China’s historic northern border, its construction evolved over millennia. Beginning as a series of smaller walls from the 7th century BCE built against nomadic raids, it was unified and vastly expanded by China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, around 220 BCE to form one formidable barrier.
The vast Great Wall of China stretching across a landscape
Today, the Great Wall of China is recognized globally as a premier wonder. Its total length, including all branches, is an astonishing 13,171 miles. While popular lore once claimed it was visible from the moon, astronauts have since confirmed this is not the case with the naked eye. Its sheer scale and historical significance firmly place it among the world’s most impressive structures. It certainly adds a grand scale to any discussion of global sights. Many aspects of exploring such vast historical sites offer a true [mario wonder special world climb to the beat], pushing boundaries of exploration.
A preserved section of the Great Wall of China with watchtowers
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
First on many lists, the Colosseum is a colossal oval amphitheater in the heart of Rome. Built between 72 and 80 CE from sand and stone, it served as the epic stage where gladiators battled and spectacular public events, including hunts, executions, and even mock sea battles (naumachia), entertained up to 80,000 spectators.
Exterior view of the ancient Roman Colosseum in Rome
Despite partial damage from earthquakes and historical stone pilfering, the Colosseum remains an iconic symbol of Roman history and engineering prowess, attracting thousands of visitors daily and solidifying its place among the new wonders.
Panoramic interior view of the historic Roman Colosseum arena
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Located on the bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking white marble mausoleum. Its name, Persian for ‘Crown of Palaces’, hints at its grandeur. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death in 1631. The central marble tomb is surrounded by a sprawling 42-acre complex featuring gardens, a mosque, a guest house, and a reflecting pool.
The white marble Taj Mahal reflected in water
Completed over 22 years by 20,000 workers, the project cost an estimated 32 million rupees (roughly US$827 million today). The result is a globally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of India’s Mughal heritage.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dominating the skyline atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Christ the Redeemer statue is a powerful emblem of the nation. This towering monument, standing 30 meters tall, was designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski in the 1920s and completed in 1931 by Brazilian and French engineers.
The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro
Constructed from reinforced concrete and clad in over six million soapstone tiles, it is the world’s largest Art Deco sculpture. Erected after World War I, it symbolized Christianity and hope in a world recovering from conflict. It’s notably one of the most recent constructions to make the list of wonders. Considering all the potential global marvels, some might even ponder if there could be [the ninth wonder of the world].
Machu Picchu, Cusco Region, Peru
Nestled high in the Andes mountains above Peru’s Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu is a remarkably well-preserved citadel from the 15th century Inca Empire. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti around 1450, this ‘lost city’ features intact plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and homes constructed with polished drystone walls.
The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes
The Incas abandoned the site just a century later. It remained hidden for centuries before being brought to international attention by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. Its astonishing preservation contributes significantly to its status as one of the world’s wonders today. Exploring its hidden corners feels like searching for [mario wonder special world seeds].
The Temple of the Condor structure within the Machu Picchu site
Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico
Deep within Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies Chichén Itzá, a significant Mayan city built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Itzá tribe. The city boasts numerous monuments and temples, most famously El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan. This towering step pyramid in the city center served as a devotional temple to the feathered serpent god Kukulcan.
The El Castillo pyramid at the Mayan city of Chichen Itza
El Castillo features 365 steps, one for each day of the year. A remarkable astronomical alignment occurs during the spring and summer equinoxes when the setting sun casts serpentine shadows down the northern stairway, culminating at a carved snake head at the base. This ingenious design solidifies its status as a modern wonder.
Detail of the Tzompantli skull wall at Chichen Itza
Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Known as the “rose city” for its distinctive golden rock carvings, Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan dating back to 312 BCE. Established by the sophisticated Arab Nabataeans in a remote valley, Petra is renowned for its stunning architecture carved directly into the surrounding sandstone cliffs and its complex water management systems.
The Treasury (Al Khazneh) facade carved into rock at Petra, Jordan
The Nabataeans thrived as a trade hub until earthquakes led to the city’s decline. Unknown to the Western world for centuries, it was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. The 19th-century scholar John William Burgon famously described Petra as “a rose-red city half as old as time.”
Towering rock walls surrounding the ancient city of Petra
Mapping the Wonders
These New Seven Wonders are spread across the globe, offering a truly international list compared to the ancient one, which focused primarily on the Mediterranean region.
Map showing locations of the New Seven Wonders of the World
The Ancient Wonders
The New Seven Wonders list pays tribute to the original tradition. The most famous ancient list, compiled by Antipater of Sidon, included:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza (still standing)
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
- The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
- The Colossus of Rhodes
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria
These were considered the peak of human achievement by the ancient Greeks.
Map showing locations of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Natural Wonders
Beyond human constructions, lists of Natural Wonders celebrate Earth’s own incredible formations. One such list includes:
- Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil)
- Table Mountain (South Africa)
- Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
- Amazon River and Rainforest (South America)
- Jeju Island (South Korea)
- Komodo Island (Indonesia)
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Philippines)
The vast Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder, on the Brazil-Argentina border
Medieval Wonders
Medieval civilizations also left behind remarkable structures. While no single definitive list exists from that era, the 7Wonders Organization suggests candidates based on historical writings, such as:
- Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)
- Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England)
- Saladin Citadel of Cairo (Egypt)
- Cluny Abbey (France)
- Ely Cathedral (Cambridge, England)
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy)
These sites demonstrate the architectural and engineering prowess of the Middle Ages. Thinking about natural wonders, it’s fascinating how some plants, like the [wonder of the world leaves benefits], also hold unique properties.
Sunrise over the prehistoric Stonehenge monument in England
Conclusion
The New Seven Wonders of the World, including the often-cited second wonder, the Great Wall of China, represent a global collection of human ingenuity and historical significance. Selected by popular vote, they capture the modern fascination with monumental achievements. From ancient cities carved into rock to towering statues and vast defensive walls, these sites continue to inspire awe and encourage exploration, reminding us of the incredible structures built throughout history and across the planet. They offer a glimpse into diverse cultures and eras, standing as enduring symbols of what humanity can create.
