University:
Arizona State University
Course:
HST 200 | Historical Themes
Academic year:

2024
Views:

198

Pages:

2
Author:

Godzi R.

Wonder of the World The term "Wonder of the World" historically refers to remarkable constructions or natural features that are considered extraordinary and awe-inspiring. Throughout history, several lists of wonders have been compiled, each highlighting different marvels based on their cultural or historical significance. Here are some of the most famous wonders from various lists: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World 1. Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt: The only wonder still in existence today, the Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BCE. It is the largest of the three pyramids at Giza and was originally 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall. 2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq: Described by ancient writers as a remarkable feat of engineering, the Hanging Gardens were said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE for his homesick wife. 3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece: A giant seated figure of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, created by the sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE. It was housed in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. 4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey: A grand temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, rebuilt multiple times before its eventual destruction in 401 CE. It was renowned for its size and beauty. 5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey: The tomb of Mausolus, a satrap (governor) of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia. Built around 353 BCE, it was a grand structure adorned with sculptures. 6. Colossus of Rhodes, Greece: A giant statue of the sun god Helios, erected at the entrance of the harbor of Rhodes around 280 BCE. It was toppled by an earthquake in 226 BCE. 7. Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt: Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this lighthouse was built on the island of Pharos around 280 BCE. It was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world and served as a guiding beacon for sailors. Other Lists of Wonders  New7Wonders of the World: A global poll conducted in 2007 led to the selection of seven new wonders, which include the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Roman Colosseum in Italy, and the Taj Mahal in India.  Seven Natural Wonders of the World: This list includes wonders such as the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Mount Everest (the highest point on Earth), and others.  Other Lists: Various organizations and groups have created lists of wonders focusing on different categories, such as the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World, and the Seven Wonders of the Solar System. Conclusion The designation of wonders of the world reflects human fascination with extraordinary achievements of architecture, engineering, and nature. While the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are largely gone, their legacy lives on in these modern lists, showcasing the enduring appeal of these remarkable creations and phenomena.