What are the proper 7 wonders of the world?

What are the proper 7 wonders of the world? Unveiling the Ancient and New Lists

The phrase "Seven Wonders of the World" immediately conjures images of awe-inspiring human achievements. However, the reality is that there isn't just one definitive list. Historically, there has been an Ancient list and a more recent New list, each with its own set of magnificent structures. For the average American reader looking to understand these iconic landmarks, it's crucial to differentiate between the two.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: A Glimpse into Antiquity

The original list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was compiled by Hellenic scholars, most notably by Antipater of Sidon in the 2nd century BCE. These were remarkable feats of engineering and artistry that existed in the Mediterranean region and its surrounding areas. Unfortunately, of these original seven, only one still stands today.

• The Great Pyramid of Giza: This is the sole survivor of the ancient wonders. Located in Egypt, it was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu and is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza. Its sheer scale and the precision of its construction, despite the limited technology of the time, remain a source of wonder.
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Believed to have been built by Nebuchadnezzar II in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), these gardens were legendary for their tiered planting and sophisticated irrigation system, creating a lush oasis in an arid region. Their existence has been debated by historians, with little concrete archaeological evidence found.
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: Created by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, this colossal seated figure of the king of the gods was housed in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. It was made of ivory plates and gold panels over a wooden framework. It was lost to fire.
• The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt, this magnificent temple was rebuilt multiple times, each iteration grander than the last. The most famous version, a marble structure adorned with intricate sculptures, was located in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). It was destroyed by arson and later by Goths.
• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: This elaborate tomb was built for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II in Halicarnassus (modern-day Turkey). It was renowned for its impressive size and the quality of its sculpted decorations. It was destroyed by earthquakes.
• The Colossus of Rhodes: A gigantic bronze statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, it stood over 100 feet tall and was erected in the city of Rhodes (Greece) to celebrate their victory over an invading army. It stood for only a few decades before being toppled by an earthquake.
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Built on the island of Pharos near Alexandria, Egypt, this towering structure guided ships into the harbor for centuries. It was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time and was a marvel of ancient engineering. It was destroyed by earthquakes.

The New7Wonders of the World: A Modern Selection

In the early 2000s, a global poll was conducted by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders to select a new list of wonders from a pool of 200 existing monuments. This initiative aimed to celebrate human ingenuity and architectural brilliance across the globe. The results were announced in 2007, and these are the wonders most commonly referred to when people speak of the "New Seven Wonders."

1. Chichen Itza (Mexico): This ancient Mayan city in the Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its impressive pyramids, temples, and astronomical observatories, most notably El Castillo, a step pyramid that dominates the site. Its precise alignment with celestial events showcases the advanced understanding of astronomy by the Maya.
2. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil): This colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ stands atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Completed in 1931, it has become a global symbol of Christianity and an icon of Brazil. The scale and location are truly breathtaking.
3. The Colosseum (Italy): Located in Rome, this massive amphitheater was built in the 1st century CE and was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and mock sea battles. It's a testament to Roman engineering and a powerful symbol of imperial Rome.
4. Machu Picchu (Peru): This 15th-century Inca citadel is perched high in the Andes Mountains. Its intricate stone construction, sophisticated terrace farming, and stunning mountain backdrop make it one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. It was mysteriously abandoned by the Inca.
5. Petra (Jordan): An ancient city carved directly into sandstone cliffs, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Its most famous structure, Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), is an intricately carved facade that appears as if by magic from the narrow Siq canyon.
6. The Great Wall of China (China): This series of fortifications, built over centuries, stretches for thousands of miles across northern China. It was designed to protect against invasions and is an astonishing feat of human labor and engineering, visible even from space.
7. The Taj Mahal (India): This exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum, located in Agra, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Renowned for its symmetrical beauty, intricate inlay work, and serene gardens, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

A Note on the Great Pyramid of Giza's Status

It is important to note that the Great Pyramid of Giza, the sole surviving ancient wonder, was given honorary status in the New7Wonders campaign. This acknowledges its historical significance and iconic status without it being subject to the voting process.

When people ask about the "proper" Seven Wonders, they are often referring to either the historical ancient list or the more contemporary New7Wonders. Both lists offer a window into the remarkable capabilities of human civilization throughout different eras.

Frequently Asked Questions

How were the New Seven Wonders chosen?

The New Seven Wonders were chosen through a global poll conducted by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation. More than 100 million votes were cast by people around the world via the internet and phone. The selection process aimed to represent a diverse range of historical periods and geographical locations.

Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza the only ancient wonder still standing?

The Great Pyramid of Giza has survived primarily due to its robust construction and the dry, stable climate of Egypt. While other ancient wonders succumbed to natural disasters like earthquakes, fires, or were dismantled over time, the sheer scale and solidity of the Great Pyramid have allowed it to endure for millennia.

Are there any other lists of wonders?

Yes, beyond the ancient and New7Wonders lists, there are many other compilations of "wonders." For example, there are lists of Natural Wonders, Underwater Wonders, and even modern engineering marvels. These lists often vary depending on the criteria and the organization creating them.