Why is the Parthenon not a Wonder of the World?
It's a common misconception that the Parthenon, that iconic symbol of ancient Greece, holds a place among the "Seven Wonders of the World." Many Americans, familiar with its grandeur from history books and movies, might be surprised to learn that it's not officially on the list. So, why isn't the Parthenon a wonder of the world? The answer lies in how these lists are created, what criteria are used, and the historical context of each.
The "Original" Seven Wonders: A Very Old List
The original list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was compiled by ancient Greek historians and writers, most notably Antipater of Sidon and Philo of Byzantium, around the 2nd century BC. This list was created during a time when travel and global awareness were vastly different from today. The focus was on monumental constructions that were considered awe-inspiring and remarkable within the known world of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The seven wonders on this ancient list are:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
- The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- The Colossus of Rhodes
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria
As you can see, the Parthenon, while a magnificent structure, simply wasn't among the constructions that these ancient scholars chose to include. It's important to remember that this list was created over 2,200 years ago!
The Parthenon's Significance vs. "Wonder" Status
This doesn't diminish the Parthenon's importance one bit. It's a marvel of architecture, engineering, and art, representing the pinnacle of classical Greek achievement. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens, and served as a treasury and a symbol of Athenian power and dominance.
Architectural and Artistic Achievements:
- Perfection in Design: The Parthenon is renowned for its optical illusions, designed to appear perfectly straight and harmonious. For instance, the columns subtly bulge in the middle (entasis) and lean slightly inward, correcting the visual perception of straight lines from a distance.
- Sculptural Masterpiece: The pedimental sculptures and the frieze, though largely lost or scattered, were breathtaking works of art by masters like Phidias. They depicted mythological scenes and the Panathenaic procession, showcasing the Athenians' piety and civic pride.
- Enduring Symbol: The Parthenon has influenced Western architecture for centuries, embodying ideals of balance, proportion, and democracy.
However, the criteria for being a "wonder" on the ancient list were not solely based on aesthetic beauty or architectural innovation. They often involved elements of sheer scale, exoticism, and perhaps even a touch of the miraculous or legendary.
The "New7Wonders" and Why It Still Doesn't Quite Fit
In more recent times, there have been various efforts to create new lists of wonders. The most prominent of these was the "New7Wonders of the World" campaign, initiated by a Swiss foundation, which concluded in 2007. This campaign was a global poll, allowing people worldwide to vote for their choices among a selection of existing monuments.
The New7Wonders of the World are:
- The Great Wall of China
- Petra, Jordan
- Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Chichen Itza, Mexico
- The Colosseum, Italy
- The Taj Mahal, India
Even with this modern, globally-voted list, the Parthenon did not make the final cut. While it was a finalist, it didn't garner enough votes to be included in the top seven. This is often attributed to a combination of factors:
Reasons for Not Being on the "New7Wonders" List:
- Voting Bias: Global voting campaigns can be influenced by factors like ease of access to voting platforms and cultural appeal in different regions.
- Preservation Status: While the Parthenon is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a monument of immense historical importance, its current state of preservation, due to centuries of damage, war, and neglect, might have made it less visually striking to a global voting public compared to some other well-preserved or more visually dramatic sites.
- Focus on Existing Structures: The "New7Wonders" initiative primarily focused on extant man-made structures that people could visit or see in images and be moved by their current form.
The Parthenon is undoubtedly a wonder in terms of its historical significance, architectural brilliance, and enduring legacy. However, the designation of "wonder of the world" is a specific label applied to particular lists, both ancient and modern, with their own unique selection processes and criteria.
The Parthenon: A Wonder of the World in Spirit
So, while the Parthenon might not appear on any official "Seven Wonders" list, its status as a monumental achievement and an enduring symbol of human ingenuity is undeniable. It continues to inspire awe and admiration in millions of visitors each year, a true testament to its timeless wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was the Parthenon not on the original list of Seven Wonders?
The original list was compiled by ancient Greek scholars over 2,000 years ago, and the Parthenon, while a significant structure, was not among the monuments they chose to include in their catalog of marvels.
How did the "New7Wonders" list get chosen?
The "New7Wonders of the World" list was determined by a global poll where people from around the world voted for their favorite modern or existing monuments.
Even if it's not on a list, isn't the Parthenon still considered a wonder?
Absolutely. The term "wonder" is often used more broadly to describe something extraordinary. The Parthenon is widely regarded as a wonder due to its architectural brilliance, historical importance, and artistic merit.
What makes a structure qualify as a "wonder of the world"?
The criteria can vary depending on the list. The ancient list focused on monumental structures of the time, while modern lists might consider factors like global recognition, architectural innovation, historical impact, and public voting.
