The 7 wonders of the ancient world represent the most impressive creations of the ancient world. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Statue of Zeus, each of these marvels tells a story of human ingenuity.
These ancient wonders were so impressive that they were celebrated in writings and stories throughout the ancient world.
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Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as a crowning achievement of the ancient world. It’s not only one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world but also the oldest and the only one still standing today. This great pyramid was a monumental tomb built for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. Located on the west bank of the Nile, it’s a testament to the extraordinary architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians.
READ MORE: Ancient Egypt Timeline: Predynastic Period Until the Persian Conquest and Valley of the Kings: The Burial Place of the Pharaohs of Egypt
Built during the fourth century BCE, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Its construction involved millions of limestone blocks, each weighing tons. The precision with which these blocks were cut and placed is still a subject of awe and speculation among historians and archaeologists today. The pyramids of Giza were not just tombs; they were also a reflection of the Egyptian pharaohs‘ power and their belief in the afterlife.
READ MORE: The Egyptian Afterlife: Mummification, Burial Practices and Beyond
The Great Pyramid is part of the Giza pyramid complex, which includes two other high pyramids – the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Together, they create one of the most iconic landscapes in the ancient world. The way the pyramids align with the stars and the solstices adds another layer of mystery and sophistication to their design. They continue to be a major tourist attraction and a source of national pride for Egypt.
This wonder’s longevity and the fact that it is the only one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world still in existence today make the Great Pyramid of Giza a truly extraordinary part of human history.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Among the fabled seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon stand out for their legendary beauty and the mystery that shrouds them. Believed to have been located in the ancient city of Babylon, now modern-day Iraq, these gardens are a testament to the grandeur of ancient wonders.
The Hanging Gardens have captivated the imaginations of ancient writers and modern historians alike, primarily due to their uncertain exact location and whether they truly existed as described.
Legend has it that the Hanging Gardens were constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar II, one of the most famous rulers of ancient times, who is said to have built them to please his wife, Amytis. She missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland, so the king created this artificial mountain of lush greenery. Described as a series of terraces with exotic trees and plants, these gardens would have been an engineering marvel, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient civilizations.
Though it would’ve been a sight to behold, they have unfortunately been lost to the ravages of time.
If they indeed existed, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon would have been an oasis in the desert, a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape, and a pinnacle of beauty and engineering in the ancient world.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is another extraordinary example of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, was located in the vibrant ancient city of Ephesus, now part of modern-day Turkey. It was famed for its immense size and ornate design, marking it as one of the most significant religious buildings of the ancient world and securing its place among the ancient wonders.
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The temple was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s wealth and dedication to the goddess Artemis. It was adorned with beautiful sculptures and columns, reflecting the artistic and architectural advancements of that era.
Construction of the original temple began in the late seventh century BCE, with Chersiphron and his son Metagenes often credited as the architects. This version of the temple was destroyed, and a more splendid one was built in its place around 550 BCE. The renowned architect of this second temple was Theodorus of Samos, who incorporated advanced techniques and materials, including over 100 marble columns, each standing 40 feet high, and a high platform that provided a majestic appearance.
The Temple of Artemis was not only a center for religious worship but also a marketplace and a cultural hub, showcasing the best of Greek art and sculpture. It housed many fine artworks, including sculptures by renowned artists such as Pheidias, Polyclitus, Kresilas, and Phradmon.
In 356 BCE, the temple was infamously destroyed by arson by a man named Herostratus, who committed the act in a bid for fame. The Ephesians rebuilt it even more magnificently, and this third iteration of the temple was often considered the most impressive. This version was eventually destroyed by the Goths in 268 CE during a raid.
Tragically, this magnificent structure met its demise. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, each time regaining some of its former glory before eventually falling into ruins. The temple’s grandeur may have faded, but the site continues to draw the attention of people around the world, eager to catch a glimpse of the legacy of the ancient wonders.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is one of the most celebrated seven wonders of the ancient world. This colossal statue was a symbol of the power and artistry of the ancient Greeks, representing not just Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, but also the artistic and cultural heights achieved by the Greeks. The statue was located in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, a site of great religious importance in the ancient world.
Built in the fifth century BCE by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias, the Statue of Zeus was an imposing figure made of ivory and gold, sitting on an ornate throne decorated with precious stones and gold. The statue was about 12 meters tall, depicting Zeus holding a statue of Nike, the goddess of victory, in one hand, and a scepter topped with an eagle in the other. Its size and craftsmanship made it one of the most famous statues in the ancient world.
The Statue of Zeus was not just an artistic masterpiece; it was also a symbol of the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks. The site of Olympia was significant as it was where the Olympic Games were held, and the statue was a central figure during these events.
Sadly, the Statue of Zeus did not survive through the centuries. It is believed to have been destroyed either during a fire or an earthquake, and no copies of the statue have survived to the present day.
Today, the exact location and full description of the Statue of Zeus are known primarily through ancient writers and historical accounts.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is a renowned structure, located in what is now modern-day Turkey. This grand tomb was built in the fourth century BCE and was not only a significant burial place but also an architectural marvel.
This magnificent structure was created as a tomb for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife, Artemisia. Its construction was a blend of Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian styles, making it a unique representation of ancient wonders. Standing approximately 45 meters in height, the Mausoleum was adorned with an array of intricate statues and sculptural reliefs, crafted by skilled artists of the era. These features elevated the Mausoleum beyond a mere tomb, transforming it into a symbol of power and artistry.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was such an iconic structure that it influenced the use of the term ‘mausoleum’ in many languages as a word for grand tombs.
Today, the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus are a poignant reminder of the wonders of the ancient world. They tell a story of a time when rulers and societies sought to immortalize their power and influence through grand architectural projects.
Colossus of Rhodes: The Shortest-Lived Wonder
The Colossus of Rhodes stands as one of the most awe-inspiring but shortest-lived of the seven wonders. This massive statue was a symbol of the island of Rhodes.
Built in the third century BCE, the Colossus of Rhodes was a staggering representation of the sun god Helios. It was constructed to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over the ruler of Cyprus, Antigonus I Monophthalmus, who had unsuccessfully besieged the city. The statue stood approximately 33 meters high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world.
READ MORE: Sun Gods: Ancient Solar Deities From Around the World
The Colossus was designed by the Greek sculptor Chares of Lindos. It took 12 years to complete and was made of bronze plates over an iron framework. Sadly, this magnificent statue stood for only 56 years before it was destroyed by an earthquake. After its fall, the Colossus lay in ruins for centuries and was eventually sold for scrap metal.
Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, holds a special place in history as one of the ancient world’s seven wonders. Located in the vibrant city of Alexandria in Egypt, this famous lighthouse served as a beacon for sailors navigating the tricky waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Built during the third century BCE, on the small island of Pharos near Alexandria, this lighthouse was one of the tallest man-made structures in the ancient world. It was constructed under the reign of Ptolemy II and was estimated to be over 100 meters tall, making it comparable to some of the tallest buildings of its time.
The lighthouse’s design typically consisted of three stages: a square level at the base, a middle octagonal level, and a circular level at the top. On the top, there was a fire that burned at night to guide ships, and during the day, sunlight reflected off a polished bronze mirror, extending the visibility range. This innovative design made the Lighthouse of Alexandria a symbol of guidance and safety, celebrated not just in the ancient world but throughout history.
Though it no longer stands today, the Lighthouse of Alexandria remains one of the most famous symbols of the ancient world. Its image has lived on through historical accounts and artistic representations, preserving its legacy as one of the greatest architectural feats of its time.
7 Wonders of the Ancient World: Wrapping It Up
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have left an indelible mark on history and culture. These wonders, transcending time and civilization, have shaped our understanding of the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world. Each wonder, from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, was a marvel of its time, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of ancient societies.
Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, the legacy of these wonders continued to inspire. Stories of the Colossus of Rhodes and the Statue of Zeus at Olympia captivated the imaginations of ancient writers and later generations. These structures, though long gone, live on through the writings of historians and poets. Even in the British Museum today, one can find artifacts and stories that echo the grandeur of these ancient marvels.
Out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one has survived to the present day: the Great Pyramid of Giza. This awe-inspiring structure, located in Egypt, remains a testament to the remarkable architectural abilities of the ancient Egyptians and stands as a beacon of the known world’s early history.
The other six wonders have, unfortunately, succumbed to the ravages of time and nature. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, once the most famous lighthouse and a guiding beacon in ancient Alexandria, fell due to a series of devastating earthquakes. Similarly, the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue representing the Greek sun god Helios, was destroyed by an earthquake, marking the end of one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, another marvel located in what is now Turkey, was destroyed by arson by a man who sought fame. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, also in Turkey, was gradually dismantled following a series of earthquakes.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, an iconic representation of Olympian Zeus, was lost to history, possibly due to fires or the shifting religious landscape marked by the rise of Christian writers and the decline of the Roman Empire. The fate of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, near the Euphrates River in the Middle East, remains one of history’s great mysteries, with their existence and location still debated by scholars.
In modern times, the concept of the Seven Wonders has evolved, leading to new lists such as the Seven Wonders of the Natural World or the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The New Seven Wonders were selected through a global poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation, and they include:
- The Great Wall of China
- Petra, Jordan
- Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Chichen Itza, Mexico
- The Roman Colosseum, Italy
- The Taj Mahal, India
References
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