What are the official Seven Wonders of the World? Discovering the True List

What are the official Seven Wonders of the World? Discovering the True List

The phrase "Seven Wonders of the World" often sparks curiosity, conjuring images of ancient marvels. But when we talk about the *official* Seven Wonders, it's important to distinguish between historical lists and more modern designations. The most widely recognized and often-cited list refers to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, there's also a more recent, globally voted initiative, the New7Wonders of the World, which many people associate with the "official" title today.

Let's break down both to get a clear understanding.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

This is the original and most historically significant list. It was compiled by various Greek writers, most notably Philo of Byzantium in his work "On the Seven Wonders." These wonders were all located around the Mediterranean basin, reflecting the known world to the ancient Greeks. Unfortunately, only one of these magnificent structures still stands today.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza

  Located in Giza, Egypt, this is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. Built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it's the sole surviving wonder of the ancient world. Its construction, involving millions of stone blocks, remains a testament to ancient engineering prowess.

• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

  Said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon (near present-day Hillah, Iraq), this wonder is perhaps the most enigmatic. Descriptions speak of an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, watered by an ingenious system. Its existence is debated by some historians, with no definitive archaeological evidence found.

• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

  This colossal seated figure of the god Zeus, crafted by the sculptor Phidias, was housed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. Made of ivory plates and gold panels over a wooden framework, it was considered a masterpiece of classical sculpture. It was likely destroyed in a fire.

• The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

  Dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis, this grand temple was located in Ephesus, near modern Selçuk, Turkey. It was rebuilt several times after destructions, with the most famous version being an immense and ornate structure. It was ultimately destroyed by Goths.

• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

  This elaborate tomb was built between 353 and 350 BC for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and his sister-wife Artemisia II. Located in modern Bodrum, Turkey, it was renowned for its size and the artistic quality of its sculptures. It was destroyed by earthquakes.

• The Colossus of Rhodes

  A giant statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, on the Greek island of the same name. It was built to celebrate the successful defense of Rhodes against an invading army. Made of bronze, it stood over 100 feet tall and was destroyed by an earthquake.

• The Lighthouse of Alexandria

  Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this tower was built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 280 and 247 BC. Situated on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt, it guided ships into its harbor. It was one of the tallest man-made structures for many centuries and was eventually destroyed by earthquakes.

The New7Wonders of the World

In the early 2000s, a global poll was conducted by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders Foundation to choose a new set of wonders from a list of 200 existing monuments. The results were announced in 2007. This list is often what people mean when they ask about the "official" Seven Wonders today, as it represents a modern, globally inclusive selection.

• The Great Wall of China

  Stretching across northern China, this series of fortifications was built over centuries, from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD. Its primary purpose was to protect Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of various nomadic groups. It's an immense feat of engineering and human perseverance.

• Petra

  An ancient city in Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Established possibly as early as the 4th century BC, it was the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. Its most iconic structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), is carved directly into a sandstone cliff.

• The Colosseum

  An oval amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus. It was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and mock sea battles.

• Chichen Itza

  A large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. Located in the northern Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, it was a major regional center. Its most famous structure, El Castillo (The Castle), is a step pyramid that dominates the site and is a symbol of Mayan ingenuity.

• Machu Picchu

  An Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, intricate astronomical observatories, and breathtaking panoramic views.

• The Taj Mahal

  An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

• Christ the Redeemer

  An Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face. Completed in 1931, it has become a symbol of Christianity across the world and an icon of Brazil.

Why the Distinction Matters

It's important to remember that the "official" Seven Wonders of the World are not a single, unchanging list. The ancient list celebrates historical achievements that have largely vanished, while the new list recognizes contemporary global heritage. Both offer incredible insights into human ambition, creativity, and engineering across different eras and cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World compiled?

The list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was compiled by various Greek writers, with Philo of Byzantium being one of the most prominent. These lists were essentially guides for travelers, highlighting the most impressive and remarkable constructions known in their time, primarily around the Mediterranean basin.

Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza the only surviving Ancient Wonder?

The Great Pyramid of Giza's survival is due to its robust construction and the fact that it was primarily built as a tomb, intended to last for eternity. Unlike other ancient wonders which were often made of more perishable materials, were targets of conflict, or were victims of natural disasters like earthquakes, the pyramid's sheer scale and stone construction allowed it to endure millennia.

How were the New7Wonders of the World chosen?

The New7Wonders of the World were chosen through a global poll initiated by the New7Wonders Foundation. People from all over the world were invited to vote for their preferred monuments from a pre-selected list of 200 existing landmarks. The results were announced in 2007, aiming to create a modern, inclusive list of globally significant sites.

Are there any "official" wonders chosen by a UNESCO body?

While the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites, it does not maintain an "official" list of Seven Wonders of the World. The New7Wonders list was a private initiative, separate from UNESCO's official role in preserving cultural and natural heritage.