Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, consists of spectacular structures from classical antiquity, while the New Seven Wonders of the World is a modern list determined by an international poll. Below are amazing facts about both lists.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
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Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt):
– The only wonder that still exists today.
– It was constructed around 2560 BCE and served as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.
– The pyramid’s precision and alignment are remarkable, with a deviation of only a few millimeters across its base.
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Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq):
– Though no definitive archaeological evidence has been found, the gardens were said to be a marvel of engineering, with lush gardens hanging over terraces.
– The gardens may have been built by Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, who missed her homeland’s green hills.
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Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece):
– A giant statue of the king of the Greek gods created by the sculptor Phidias.
– The statue was adorned with gold and ivory, standing about 40 feet tall.
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Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey):
– A grand temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, considered one of the largest temples of the ancient world.
– The temple was rebuilt several times due to destruction by fire and invasion.
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Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey):
– A grand tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap, by his wife Artemisia.
– The word “mausoleum” originates from this structure.
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Colossus of Rhodes (Greece):
– A massive statue of the sun god Helios that stood at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes.
– It was about 108 feet tall and collapsed during an earthquake in 226 BCE.
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Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt):
– Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this lighthouse guided sailors safely into the harbor.
– It was considered one of the tallest structures in the world at the time, possibly reaching up to 450 feet.
New Seven Wonders of the World
– One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken, stretching over 13,000 miles.
– Its primary purpose was to protect China from northern invasions.
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Petra (Jordan):
– An ancient city carved into the rose-red cliffs, famous for its architecture and water management systems.
– It was a key trading hub in ancient times.
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Christ the Redeemer (Brazil):
– A massive statue of Jesus Christ atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro.
– It stands 98 feet tall and has become a symbol of Brazil.
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Machu Picchu (Peru):
– A 15th-century Incan citadel situated on a mountain ridge.
– The site remains an enigmatic wonder, as it was abandoned shortly after its construction.
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Chichen Itza (Mexico):
– A major Mayan archaeological site known for its pyramid, El Castillo.
– The pyramid was constructed in such a way that during the equinoxes, shadows resemble a serpent descending the stairs.
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Roman Colosseum (Italy):
– An ancient amphitheater in Rome that could hold up to 50,000 spectators.
– It was used for gladiator contests, public spectacles, and other events.
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Taj Mahal (India):
– A stunning white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
– The architecture is an exquisite blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles.
Both lists of wonders highlight the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations in constructing awe-inspiring monuments and structures.
