The concept of the “Seven Wonders of the World” represents the pinnacle of human creativity and architectural mastery across various eras. This article explores both the ancient and modern lists, termed respectively as the “Old 7 Wonders of the World” and the “New 7 Wonders of the World”, highlighting the distinct marvels that have captivated humanity’s imagination for centuries.
The Original Seven Wonders of the World
The “Original Seven Wonders of the World”, also known as the “Old 7 Wonders of the World”, is a testament to the remarkable architectural achievements of ancient civilizations. These were predominantly located in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, encompassing a blend of Greek, Persian, and Egyptian influences.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq)
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)
- The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey)
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey)
- The Colossus of Rhodes (Greece)
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt)
The only one of the original wonders still in existence, the Great Pyramid stands as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering prowess. Built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2580-2560 BCE, it was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. This pyramid, composed of millions of limestone blocks, continues to baffle modern scientists and historians with its precision and construction techniques.
Address: X4HM+MPC, Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3512201, Egypt
Often described as a remarkable feat of engineering, the Hanging Gardens were supposedly built by King Nebuchadnezzar II in 600 BCE. They are renowned for their terraced gardens, which were said to have been constructed atop stone platforms and resembled a green mountain. However, their exact location and existence remain one of history’s mysteries.
Crafted by the famed sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, this statue depicted the king of the Greek gods seated on an elaborate throne. Made of ivory and gold, it was a symbol of Greek religion and artistry, embodying the classical style of the era.
Address: Georgiou Douma 7, Olympia 270 65 Greece
This grand temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, was completed around 550 BCE. Known for its imposing size and ornate sculptures, it was rebuilt several times due to destruction by both man-made and natural disasters.
Address: Atatürk, Park İçi Yolu No:12, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye
Erected in 351 BCE, this tomb was built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap, and his wife Artemisia. Combining Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian design elements, it stood approximately 45 metres tall and was adorned with reliefs and statues.
Address: Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. No:93, 48440 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Constructed between 292 and 280 BCE, this statue of the sun god Helios was erected to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over the ruler of Cyprus. It was roughly the same size as the Statue of Liberty and was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world before its destruction by an earthquake.
Address: Koskinou 851 00, Rhodes, Greece
Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this lighthouse, built around 280 BCE, guided sailors safely into the bustling port of Alexandria. Standing approximately 100 metres tall, it was one of the tallest man-made structures for many centuries.
Address: Pharos, Alexandria, Egypt
Also Read: 7 Groundbreaking Ancient Civilisations That Influence Us Today
The New 7 Wonders of the World
In 2007, an initiative led to the selection of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”. This global contest aimed to recognise the most outstanding monuments worldwide, emphasising the diversity and cultural significance of modern marvels.
- The Great Wall of China (China)
- Petra (Jordan)
- Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Chichen Itza (Mexico)
- The Roman Colosseum (Italy)
- The Taj Mahal (India)
Spanning over 21,000 kilometres, this massive wall was built between the 5th century BCE and the 16th century to protect Chinese states from invasions. Its construction involved millions of people, and it remains one of the most extraordinary human-made structures due to its scale and historical importance.
Address: Huairou District, China, 101406
An archaeological wonder, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom around 300 BCE. Known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, it exemplifies the ingenuity of ancient civilisations in adapting to their environment.
Address: Jordan
Overlooking Rio de Janeiro, this 30-metre tall statue of Jesus Christ was completed in 1931. It symbolises peace and reflects the Christian influence in Brazil and beyond.
Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
This 15th-century Inca citadel, situated on a mountain ridge in the Andes, was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Its sophisticated dry-stone walls and intriguing buildings such as the Temple of the Sun showcase the advanced engineering skills of the Incas.
Address: 08680, Peru
A significant archaeological site from the Maya civilisation, Chichen Itza is known for its Temple of Kukulkan, a pyramid that demonstrates the Mayans’ astronomical expertise. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, it reflects the rich cultural and religious history of pre-Columbian America.
Address: 97751 Yucatan, Mexico
An enduring symbol of Imperial Rome, this large amphitheatre was completed in 80 AD and could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It was the site of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, showcasing Roman engineering and architectural skills.
Address: Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum in Agra is a masterpiece of Muslim art in India. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles.
Address: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Both the “Old 7 Wonders of the World” and the “New 7 Wonders of the World” represent the zenith of human achievement in their respective eras. While the original seven marvels were mostly concentrated around the Mediterranean and Middle East, the new list is more globally dispersed, reflecting a broader cultural and geographical diversity.
Also Read: What is a pyramid: History of egyptian pyramid and construction
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