What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?

Hello All:

You would think this would be a trivial question and everyone would surely be able to name them off. But, seriously, not everyone knows. I didn’t know! Maybe I just didn't pay attention in school?

For some reason the Seven Wonders popped in my head one morning in February, and I could not answer. I knew the Great Pyramid was one of them. I knew that the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon were considered wonders. But what about the entire list? And what about information on these wonders.

So, what are the Seven Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the World?

Well, first you need to recognize that there are different classifications for these wonders.

There are the Ancient Wonders:

• Colossus of Rhodes

• Great Pyramid of Giza

• Hanging Gardens of Babylon

• Statue of Zeus at Olympia

• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

• Lighthouse of Alexandria

There are the Natural Wonders

• Northern Lights

• Grand Canyon

• Paricutin

• Mount Everest

• Harbor of Rio de Janeiro

• Victoria Falls

• Great Barrier Reef.

There are the New Wonders

• Taj Mahal

• Great Wall of China

• Machu Pichu

• The Colosseum

• Christ the Redeemer Statue

• Petra, Jordan

• Chichen Itza

The Ancient Wonders

The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek sun god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes on the Greek island of the same name by Chares of Lindos between 292 and 280 BC. Constructed of bronze, it is generally considered one of the largest statues of the ancient world.

The Colossus stood approximately 70 cubits (105 feet [32 metres]) high, making it taller than the Statue of Liberty from base to head. It was one of the first known examples of a colossal statue, and it is said to have been one of the most impressive sights in the ancient world.

The Colossus was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC. It lay in ruins on the ground for nearly 900 years, until it was finally sold for scrap in 654 AD.

The Colossus of Rhodes has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the centuries. Its exact appearance is unknown, as no contemporary descriptions or images of it have survived. However, it is generally believed to have depicted Helios standing with his arms outstretched, holding a torch in one hand and a globe in the other.

The Colossus of Rhodes was a symbol of the power and wealth of Rhodes. It was also a popular tourist attraction, and it is said that people would travel from all over the world to see it.

The destruction of the Colossus was a major blow to the city of Rhodes. It was a symbol of the city's power and wealth, and its loss was a sign of its decline. However, the Colossus of Rhodes remains one of the most famous and iconic statues of the ancient world. It is a reminder of the power and beauty of ancient Greece, and it continues to fascinate people today.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

The pyramid was built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu and was constructed over a 20-year period. It is estimated that the pyramid contains 2.3 million blocks of stone, each weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. It is estimated that over 1 million people visit the pyramid each year.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were described as a remarkable feat of engineering with an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, resembling a large green mountain constructed of mud bricks. It was said to have been built in the ancient city of Babylon, near present-day Hillah, Babil province, in Iraq.

The Hanging Gardens' name is derived from the Greek word κρεμαστός (kremastós, lit. "hanging"). The Greek historian Herodotus, who visited Babylon in the 5th century BC, did not mention the gardens in his writings, but later Greek writers such as Strabo and Diodorus Siculus described them in great detail.

The exact location of the Hanging Gardens is unknown, and there is some debate about whether they ever actually existed. Some scholars believe that the gardens were located in Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, while others believe that they were located in Babylon.

The Hanging Gardens were said to have been built by Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, for his wife Amytis, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland. The gardens were said to be a series of terraces, each one higher than the last, with a wide variety of plants and trees. The terraces were irrigated by a system of canals that brought water from the Euphrates River.

The Hanging Gardens were one of the most famous wonders of the ancient world, and they were a popular tourist attraction. They were destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century BC, and they have not been rebuilt since.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are a reminder of the power and wealth of the ancient world. They are also a reminder of the importance of gardens, which provide us with beauty, food, and a connection to nature.

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a chryselephantine statue (made of ivory and gold) of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, created by the Greek sculptor Phidias. It was commissioned by the Eleans in the 430s BC, and was completed in 435 BC. The statue was housed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece, until it was destroyed by a fire in the 5th century AD.

The statue was about 12.4 meters (41 feet) tall and was made of ivory and gold over a wooden frame. The skin of Zeus was made of ivory, and his hair, beard, and clothing were made of gold. The statue was seated on a throne, which was also made of ivory and gold. The throne was decorated with reliefs of scenes from Greek mythology.

The statue of Zeus was one of the most famous and revered works of art in the ancient world. It was said to be a masterpiece of Greek sculpture, and it was a popular tourist attraction. The statue was destroyed in a fire in the 5th century AD, and no copies of it have survived. However, there are many descriptions and drawings of the statue, and it is still considered one of the greatest works of art of the ancient world.

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, and it was located in the city of Ephesus, in what is now modern-day Turkey. The temple was built in the 6th century BC, and it was destroyed by a mob in 401 AD.

The Temple of Artemis was one of the largest and most impressive temples in the ancient world. It was made of marble, and it was decorated with statues and reliefs. The temple was a popular pilgrimage site, and it was said to be a place of healing.

The destruction of the Temple of Artemis was a major event in the history of the ancient world. It was a symbol of the decline of the Greek city-states, and it was also a sign of the rise of Christianity.

The Temple of Artemis is still an important archaeological site. Visitors can see the ruins of the temple, and they can also learn about its history. The Temple of Artemis is a reminder of the power and beauty of the ancient world.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built for Mausolus, a satrap (governor) in the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II of Caria. The mausoleum was built in Halicarnassus (now Bodrum, Turkey) between 353 and 350 BC.

The mausoleum was designed by the Greek architects Satyros and Pythius of Priene. It was a rectangular building with a colonnade on all four sides. The roof was a pyramid, and on top of the pyramid was a statue of a four-horse chariot.

The mausoleum was decorated with sculptures by some of the most famous Greek artists of the time, including Scopas, Praxiteles, and Bryaxis. The sculptures depicted scenes from the life of Mausolus and Artemisia.

The mausoleum was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century. Today, only a few fragments of the mausoleum remain. However, the mausoleum is still considered to be one of the most impressive buildings of the ancient world.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (280–247 BC). It has been estimated to have been at least 100 metres (330 ft) in overall height. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, for many centuries it was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world.

The lighthouse was constructed in the third century BC. After Alexander the Great died, the first Ptolemy (Ptolemy I Soter) declared himself king in 305 BC, and commissioned its construction shortly thereafter. The building was finished during the reign of his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, and took twelve years to complete at a total cost of 800 talents of silver.

The lighthouse was built on the island of Pharos in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. It was made of white limestone and had three levels. The first level was square, the second level was octagonal, and the third level was cylindrical. The top of the lighthouse was crowned with a statue of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

The lighthouse was used to guide ships into the harbor of Alexandria. It was also a symbol of the power and wealth of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.

The lighthouse was damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries. It was finally destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century.

Today, the ruins of the lighthouse are located on the island of Pharos. They are a popular tourist destination.

The Natural Wonders

The Northern Lights are a natural light display in the sky. They are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere. The Northern Lights can be seen in the northern hemisphere, and they are most commonly seen in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. It is located in the U.S. state of Arizona, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 meters).

Paricutin is a cinder cone volcano that erupted in 1943. It is located in the Mexican state of Michoacan, and it is one of the youngest volcanoes in the world. Paricutin is only 333 feet (101 meters) tall, but it is a popular tourist destination because of its unique shape and history.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It is located in the Himalayas, and it is a popular destination for mountaineers. Mount Everest is 29,032 feet (8,848.86 meters) tall, and it is the only mountain in the world that is over 29,000 feet tall.

Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is a natural harbor that is located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, and it is a popular tourist destination. The harbor is home to Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, and Copacabana Beach.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. It is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it is a popular tourist destination. Victoria Falls is 1,708 feet (519 meters) wide and 355 feet (108 meters) tall.

Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and 4,000 species of mollusks.

The New Wonders

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan ( r. 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.

The construction of the Taj Mahal involved an estimated 20,000 workers and took 22 years to complete. The white marble used in the mausoleum was quarried from Makrana, Rajasthan, and transported to Agra by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. The intricate inlay work was done by master craftsmen from all over India and Central Asia.

The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love, devotion, and beauty. It is a must-see for anyone visiting India.

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. Several walls were built from as early as the 7th century BC, with selective stretches later joined by Qin Shi Huang (220–206 BC), the first emperor of China. Little of the Qin wall remains. Later on, many successive dynasties built and maintained multiple stretches of border walls.

The best-known sections of the wall were built by the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The Ming wall built on the foundations of earlier walls, and also included stretches built on new alignments. The wall served as a military barrier against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe with an eye to expansion. Additionally, the defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watchtowers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.

The Great Wall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It is estimated that 100 million people visit the wall each year.

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a 2,430-meter (7,970 ft) mountain ridge. Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire. It is located in the Machupicchu District within Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cusco. The Urubamba River flows past it, cutting through the Cordillera and creating a canyon with a tropical mountain climate.

Machu Picchu is both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its rediscovery in 1911, growing numbers of tourists have visited the site each year, with numbers exceeding 1.4 million in 2017. As Peru's most visited tourist attraction, and a major revenue generator, it is continually exposed to economic and commercial forces. In the late 1990s, the Peruvian government granted concessions to allow the construction of a cable car and a luxury hotel, including a tourist complex with boutiques and restaurants and a bridge to the site.

The exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still a mystery. Some believe it was a royal estate, while others believe it was a religious center or a military stronghold. Whatever its purpose, Machu Picchu is a stunning example of Inca architecture and engineering. The site is made up of over 200 buildings, including temples, palaces, terraces, and agricultural fields. The walls of Machu Picchu are made of huge stones that were quarried and transported to the site without the use of wheels or draft animals. The stones were then fitted together without the use of mortar, creating a seamless and incredibly strong structure.

Machu Picchu is a truly unique and awe-inspiring place. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply the beauty of the natural world.

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name (Flavius).

The Colosseum could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a quarry, and a gunpowder store. The Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.

Christ the Redeemer is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ on top of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue is 98 feet (30 metres) tall, excluding its 8-metre (26 ft) pedestal. The arms stretch 28 metres (92 ft) wide. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.

Christ the Redeemer is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is a major tourist attraction. It was declared a National Monument of Brazil in 1981 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.

Petra is located in Jordan. It is a historical and archaeological city that was built by the Nabataeans in the 6th century BC. The city is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.

Petra was founded in the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, a nomadic people who came from the Arabian Peninsula. The Nabataeans were skilled traders and engineers, and they built Petra as a trading center. The city was located on an important trade route between Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea.

Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture. The city is carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Wadi Musa valley. The most famous building in Petra is the Treasury, which is a large tomb that was carved into the side of a cliff. The Treasury is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jordan.

Petra is also famous for its water conduit system. The Nabataeans built a complex system of canals and cisterns to collect and store water. The water system was essential for the survival of the city, as Petra is located in a desert region.

Petra was abandoned in the 7th century AD, after the Muslim conquest of the region. The city was rediscovered by Western explorers in the 19th century. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Petra is a popular tourist destination, and it is one of the most visited sites in Jordan. The city is open to visitors year-round, but it is best to visit during the spring or fall when the weather is cooler.

Chichen Itza is a Mayan archaeological site located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Chichen Itza was founded around 500 AD and was a major center of Mayan culture for over 600 years. The city was abandoned around 1200 AD, but its ruins were rediscovered by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

Chichen Itza is famous for its many impressive buildings, including the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Ball Court. The Kukulkan Pyramid is the largest building at Chichen Itza and is one of the most important structures in Mayan architecture. The pyramid is believed to have been built as a temple to the Mayan god Kukulkan, who is also known as Quetzalcoatl.

The Temple of the Warriors is another important building at Chichen Itza. The temple is dedicated to the Mayan god of war and is decorated with sculptures of warriors. The Ball Court is a large, open field that was used for playing a game called pok-a-tok. Pok-a-tok was a ritual game that was played with a rubber ball and was considered to be a test of skill and endurance.

Chichen Itza is a fascinating place to visit and is a great place to learn about Mayan culture. The site is open to the public and is located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.