What are the 7 or 8 Wonders of the World?

What are the 7 or 8 Wonders of the World? Unpacking the Enduring Fascination

The phrase "Wonders of the World" immediately conjures images of awe-inspiring human achievements and breathtaking natural spectacles. But what exactly constitutes these fabled wonders? The answer, surprisingly, isn't as straightforward as you might think. There isn't one single, universally agreed-upon list of "7 or 8 Wonders of the World." Instead, the concept has evolved over time, with various organizations and individuals compiling their own lists throughout history.

The Ancient World's Original Seven Wonders

The concept of listing "wonders" dates back to antiquity. The most famous and enduring list is the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These were a collection of remarkable constructions from classical antiquity, compiled by ancient Greek writers. These are the original "Seven Wonders" that have captured imaginations for centuries:

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza: The oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world, this colossal tomb for Pharaoh Khufu in Egypt is a testament to incredible engineering and human labor. It was built around 2580–2560 BC.
2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Described as an ascending series of tiered gardens, containing a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, this wonder is shrouded in mystery as its exact location and even its existence are debated by historians. It's often attributed to King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC.
3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: A giant, seated figure of the god Zeus, crafted by the sculptor Phidias around 435 BC, this magnificent statue was made of ivory plates and gold panels over a wooden framework. It was housed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece.
4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis, this grand temple was rebuilt several times throughout antiquity. The most famous version, completed around 550 BC, was renowned for its size and intricate decoration.
5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: A tomb built for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and his sister-wife Artemisia II of Caria, this structure was so impressive that it gave us the modern word "mausoleum." It was built between 353 and 350 BC.
6. The Colossus of Rhodes: A giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, Greece, to celebrate their victory over a besieging army. It stood for only 54 years before being toppled by an earthquake in 226 BC.
7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this towering lighthouse was built on the island of Pharos in Egypt between 280 and 247 BC. It guided ships into the harbor for centuries.

The "New7Wonders" and the Modern Era

While the ancient list remains iconic, many have felt it was important to recognize modern marvels. In the early 2000s, a global poll was conducted by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders Foundation to create a new list of seven wonders. This initiative aimed to highlight outstanding architectural and artistic achievements of the world and was not affiliated with UNESCO. The results of this poll, announced in 2007, introduced a new set of wonders that are often what people refer to when they ask about the "7 or 8 Wonders of the World" today:

• The Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued for centuries.
• Petra, Jordan: An ancient city that is half-built, half-carved into solid rock. Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra was the capital city of the Nabataeans. It is believed to have been established as early as the 4th century BC.
• The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: An oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty around AD 70–72. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world today.
• Chichen Itza, Mexico: A pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is famous for its impressive pyramids, particularly El Castillo, and its astronomical significance. It flourished from around AD 600 to 1200.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: An Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, built in the 15th century. It is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, its breathtaking mountain setting, and its mysterious purpose.
• Taj Mahal, India: A white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1653, it is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of eternal love.
• Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: An Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ, 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. Constructed between 1922 and 1931, it stands atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city.

What About the "8th Wonder"?

The question of "7 or 8" wonders often arises because the Great Pyramid of Giza, the sole survivor of the ancient list, was given honorary status in the New7Wonders campaign. This means that while the other six are voted-upon modern wonders, the Great Pyramid is recognized as an original and enduring wonder in its own right, effectively making it an "eighth" wonder in a way, or at least a special addition to the new list.

Why So Many Lists?

The fluidity of these lists highlights a few key points:

• Historical Context: The ancient list reflects the world known to the Greeks at that time.
• Subjectivity: What constitutes a "wonder" is inherently subjective. It's about human ingenuity, beauty, scale, and historical significance.
• Global Reach: Modern lists attempt to be more globally inclusive, recognizing achievements from different cultures and continents.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - Saint Augustine

Exploring these wonders, whether ancient or modern, offers a profound connection to human history, artistic achievement, and the incredible diversity of our planet. Each site tells a story, a testament to what humanity can create and accomplish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How were the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World chosen?

The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were compiled by various Greek historians and scholars, such as Antipater of Sidon and Philo of Byzantium, as a guide for travelers and a celebration of remarkable human constructions in the Hellenistic world. These lists were not official decrees but rather popular compilations of notable feats of engineering and art.

Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza considered an honorary "8th Wonder"?

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving structure from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When the New7Wonders Foundation conducted its poll for modern wonders, they decided to grant the Great Pyramid honorary status as a recognition of its incredible age, survival, and historical significance, thus often leading to it being considered alongside the "new" seven.

Are there any other lists of "Wonders of the World"?

Yes, absolutely. Beyond the ancient and the New7Wonders lists, there are many other compilations. For instance, UNESCO designates World Heritage Sites, which are places of outstanding universal value. Additionally, various organizations and individuals have created lists of natural wonders, modern engineering marvels, or even underwater wonders, reflecting different criteria and interests.

Why do the "New7Wonders" lists spark debate?

The "New7Wonders" lists, particularly the 2007 poll, have been met with debate for several reasons. Critics point out that the selection process was a popularity contest driven by mass voting, rather than expert selection. Furthermore, the list was criticized for geographical biases and for not including some highly significant sites that some believe should have been recognized. UNESCO, for example, does not endorse this list.