Why the Pyramids Aren’t Listed Among the New 7 Wonders of the World
The Pyramids of Giza are arguably the most iconic ancient structures on Earth, instantly recognizable and synonymous with human ingenuity and historical grandeur. Many naturally assume they hold a prime spot on any list of world wonders. Yet, when the popular “New 7 Wonders of the World” list was announced, a common question arose: Why Is The Pyramids Not A Wonder Of The World on this modern roster? The answer lies in the distinction between the ancient and modern lists and the unique status accorded to Egypt’s timeless marvels. This article clarifies the Pyramids’ position, exploring both the original wonders and the new, explaining exactly where the Pyramids fit in.
The Original Seven Wonders: Where the Pyramids Reign
The concept of the “Seven Wonders of the World” dates back over two millennia. Compiled around the 2nd century BCE, primarily attributed to the writer Antipater of Sidon and possibly the mathematician Philon of Byzantium, this list celebrated the most remarkable architectural and sculptural achievements known in the Hellenistic world, concentrated around the Mediterranean and Middle East. These were the pinnacles of human creation in their time.
The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt: The oldest and, crucially, the only one still largely intact.
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Location and even existence remain debated, likely near modern-day Iraq.
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece: A massive chryselephantine (gold and ivory) sculpture by Phidias.
- The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey: A colossal temple renowned for its size and art.
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey: An elaborate tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap.
- The Colossus of Rhodes, Greece: A giant bronze statue of the sun-god Helios.
- The Lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria, Egypt: An exceptionally tall structure guiding ships into the harbour.
The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as the sole surviving Ancient Wonder of the World
The Great Pyramid of Giza: An Undisputed Ancient Wonder
The Great Pyramid, built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khufu, stands out not just for its age but its survival. For over 3,800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure on Earth. Its inclusion in the ancient list is unquestioned, representing a monumental feat of engineering and organization. Today, it remains the single tangible link to that original roster of human achievement.
While the Pyramids endure, the other ancient wonders have succumbed to time, earthquakes, fires, or human actions. Remains of the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus can still be visited in Turkey, offering glimpses into their former glory. Archaeological finds from both sites, including substantial sculptures from the Mausoleum and remnants from the Temple of Artemis, are displayed in the British Museum. Similarly, remnants of the Pharos of Alexandria lie beneath the waters of its harbour, accessible to divers. The Hanging Gardens remain enigmatic, possibly mythical, while the Statue of Zeus and the Colossus of Rhodes were destroyed centuries ago.
Sparse ruins mark the site of the once immense Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey
Remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, tomb of Mausolus, incorporated into Bodrum Castle
An artist's rendition of the Pharos of Alexandria, an ancient lighthouse wonder
The Rise of the New 7 Wonders: A Modern Quest
Recognizing that only one ancient wonder remained standing, a Swiss foundation, the New7Wonders Foundation, launched a global initiative in 2000 to choose a new list of seven wonders. This modern campaign aimed to celebrate achievements from across history and around the globe, relying on a massive popular vote – reportedly gathering 100 million votes worldwide via the internet and phone. The criteria generally required structures to be man-made, completed before the year 2000, and in an acceptable state of preservation.
The resulting New 7 Wonders of the World, announced in 2007, are:
- The Great Wall of China: A vast defensive system built over centuries.
- Chichén Itzá, Mexico: A significant Mayan archaeological site featuring El Castillo pyramid.
- Petra, Jordan: An ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs.
- Machu Picchu, Peru: A breathtaking Inca citadel high in the Andes.
- Christ the Redeemer, Brazil: An iconic Art Deco statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
- The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: A grand Roman amphitheater known for gladiatorial contests.
- The Taj Mahal, India: An exquisite marble mausoleum, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
The Great Wall of China snakes across mountainous terrain, a monumental defensive feat
These sites represent incredible human endeavours spanning continents and centuries. The Great Wall, with sections dating back to the 7th Century BCE, stretched for thousands of miles. Chichén Itzá, a vital Mayan religious and urban center, flourished around the 9th-10th centuries CE, known for its impressive El Castillo pyramid and sacred cenotes.
El Castillo pyramid dominates the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza in Mexico
Petra, the “rose-red city,” thrived as a trading hub carved directly into sandstone cliffs, home to famous structures like the Khazneh (Treasury). Machu Picchu, an enigmatic Inca complex, showcases advanced masonry and astronomical alignments amidst the Andean peaks.
Camels rest before the Treasury facade carved into sandstone cliffs in Petra, Jordan
The stunning Inca citadel of Machu Picchu nestled high in the Peruvian Andes
Christ the Redeemer, a 20th-century creation, stands sentinel over Rio de Janeiro from Corcovado Mountain. The Colosseum in Rome, an icon of the Roman Empire, hosted vast spectacles, while the Taj Mahal remains a globally admired symbol of love and architectural perfection.
The Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio de Janeiro from Corcovado Mountain
The ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy, a testament to Roman engineering and spectacle
The magnificent Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra, India, a jewel of Mughal architecture
So, Why Aren’t the Pyramids on the New List?
This brings us back to the core question. If the Pyramids are so wondrous, why were they excluded from the New 7 Wonders voting and final list? The answer is simple: The Great Pyramid of Giza was granted honorary status.
Recognizing the Pyramids’ unparalleled historical significance as the only surviving Ancient Wonder, the New7Wonders Foundation and organizers effectively removed them from the competition. There was a strong sentiment, particularly from Egyptian officials and historians worldwide, that the Pyramids’ status was eternal and not subject to a popular vote. Pitting a 4,500-year-old monument against relatively more recent structures in a global poll seemed inappropriate.
Therefore, the Pyramids were not excluded in the sense of being deemed unworthy; rather, they were elevated above the contest. They didn’t need to compete for a place on the new list because their position as a fundamental Wonder of the World was already universally acknowledged through their presence on the ancient list and their sheer endurance through millennia.
Understanding the Distinction: Ancient vs. New
It’s crucial to understand that the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” and the “New 7 Wonders of the World” are two distinct lists, created in different eras, by different methods, and for slightly different purposes.
- Ancient Wonders: Selected by observers in antiquity based on renown in the Hellenistic world. Only one (Pyramids) survives substantially intact.
- New Wonders: Selected by a modern global poll from a list of 200 existing monuments worldwide. All seven are currently standing and visitable.
The Pyramids belong firmly and preeminently to the first category. Their absence from the second list isn’t a slight but a recognition of their unique historical weight. They stand apart.
Conclusion
The Great Pyramid of Giza is unequivocally a Wonder of the World – an Ancient Wonder, the last survivor of its kind. The reason it doesn’t appear on the “New 7 Wonders” list isn’t because it lacks wonder, but because its status transcends popular polls. Granted honorary status during the modern selection process, the Pyramids remain in a class of their own, a testament to ancient ingenuity that continues to inspire awe. Understanding the difference between the ancient and new lists clarifies the Pyramids’ unique position, ensuring their legendary status remains undiminished. They are not missing from the wonders list; they are the enduring foundation upon which the very concept was built.
