The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a collection of impressive structures and monuments that were considered to be the greatest achievements of their time.
However, over time, many of these wonders were destroyed or lost, leaving only one standing today. In response to this, a new list was created in 2007, known as the New Seven Wonders of the World.
But what about the Eighth wonder?
The Eighth Wonder of the World is a term that has been used to describe various places and structures throughout history.
Some of these include the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Great Library of Alexandria.
However, none of these have been officially recognized as the eighth wonder. So, what are the eight wonders of the world?
The response to this question relies on who you ask. There are many lists that claim to have the definitive answer, but they often differ in their selections.
Some lists include the traditional Seven Wonders of the World, while others include newer structures such as the Panama Canal or the Golden Gate Bridge.
In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly recognized wonders of the world and what makes them so remarkable.
HISTORICAL WONDERS:
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the biggest and oldest of the 3 pyramids inside the Giza pyramid complex.
It was built over a period of 20 years for Pharaoh Khufu during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid stands at 147 meters tall and was the tallest structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
It is estimated that the pyramid is made up of 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 2 to 80 tons.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and were located in present-day Iraq.
The gardens were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Amytis, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland.
The gardens were believed to have been a series of terraced gardens, with trees, flowers, and exotic plants. However, there is no archaeological evidence to prove their existence.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a giant seated figure of the Greek god Zeus, created by the sculptor Phidias in the 5th century BC.
The statue which is over 12 meters tall is made from ivory and gold. It was housed in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece, and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed at some point in the fifth century AD.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
This temple at Ephesus became a Greek temple devoted to the goddess Artemis. It was located in present-day Turkey and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The temple was built during the 6th century BC and was destroyed and then later rebuilt numerous times over the centuries.
The final destruction of the temple was by the Goths in 262 AD.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built by Artemisia for her husband, Mausolus, in the 4th century BC.
The tomb was located in present-day Turkey and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The tomb was a massive structure, standing at over 45 meters tall, and was adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs. Unfortunately, the tomb was destroyed by earthquakes in the 15th century AD.
Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes became a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected inside the metropolis of Rhodes in 280 BC.
The statue was over 30 meters tall and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is believed that the statue was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC.
Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a tower built on the island of Pharos in present-day Egypt. The tower was built in the 3rd century BC and was one of the tallest structures in the world at the time, standing at over 100 meters tall.
The lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century AD.
Modern Wonders:
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a historic wall that stretches over 13,000 miles throughout China. It was built over 2000 years ago and is considered one of the greatest architectural feats in human history.
The wall was built to protect China from invaders and is made up of various materials such as brick, tamped earth, and stone.
It is a famous tourist attraction site and an identity of China's wealthy history.
Petra
Petra is a historic metropolis in Jordan, regarded for its precise structure carved into the rock. The city was built by the Nabataeans around 312 BC and was an important trading center.
Petra is home to many impressive structures such as the Treasury, Monastery, and Amphitheater.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws tons of visitors each year.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It stands at 98 feet tall and was constructed between 1922 and 1931.
The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture.
It is one of the most notable landmarks on earth and it draws hundreds of thousands of site visitors each year.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a historic Incan metropolis situated in Peru. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its impressive architecture and stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South America.
It is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an ancient city located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It was built by the Mayans around 600 AD and is known for its impressive architecture and unique astronomical features.
The city is home to many structures such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan, Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is a historical amphitheater located in Rome, Italy. It was built in 70-80 AD and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
The Colosseum is made of concrete and stone and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Roman Empire.
It is a famous traveler destination and an image of Rome's wealthy history.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in reminiscence of his spouse Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is known for its impressive architecture and intricate details such as the marble carvings and calligraphy.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal draws tens of thousands to millions of visitors each year. The Taj Mahal is also considered one of the most romantic buildings in the world.
In conclusion, the Modern Wonders are a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. They are a reflection of our rich history and culture and continue to inspire awe and wonder in people from all over the world.
