Seven Wonders of the World:- The Seven Wonders of the World have always amazed people everywhere. These incredible places show what humans can achieve with creativity and hard work, and they’ve stood the test of time. From the old wonders to the new ones, each has its own special place in history and culture.
In 2000, a Swiss group decided it was time to update the list of wonders. The original list made way back in the 2nd century BCE, only has one wonder still standing today—the Pyramids of Giza. To create a new list, people from all around the world got involved, voting online and by text message. Over 100 million votes were cast! In 2007, the new list was revealed, but not everyone was happy—famous sites like the Acropolis in Athens didn’t make it. What do you think of the new wonders? Let’s find out about the Seven Wonders of the World from the below article.
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Over time, the list of Seven Wonders of the World has changed, now including both ancient and modern sites that are celebrated for their significance and lasting impact. Each wonder is a symbol of human determination and the drive to build something extraordinary that lasts through the ages. From the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the beautiful Taj Mahal in India, these wonders continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world. Check out the list of the Seven Wonders of the World below.
List of Seven Wonders of the World
Check out the List of Seven Wonders of the World from the below table:-
Seven Wonders of the World | Location | Description |
Great Wall of China | Near Beijing, China | One of the largest construction projects, possibly spanning about 5,500 miles (8,850 km) or even 13,170 miles (21,200 km). Built from the 7th century BCE, it features two parallel walls, watchtowers, and barracks. Despite its size, it did not effectively provide security and is seen more as a symbol of political propaganda. |
Chichén Itzá | Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico | A flourishing Mayan city in the 9th and 10th centuries CE, influenced by the Toltecs. Notable for the stepped pyramid El Castillo with 365 steps representing the solar year. It also has the largest tlachtli (sporting field) in the Americas. |
Petra | Ma’an, Jordan | An ancient city among sandstone mountains, once the capital of the Nabataeans. It is famous for its carved dwellings, temples, and tombs. Petra thrived as a key trade center, known for its carvings and water systems. The city was abandoned after natural disasters and trade route changes. |
Machu Picchu | Near Cuzco, Peru | A pre-Columbian Incan site discovered in 1911. Its purpose remains uncertain, possibly a royal retreat or pilgrimage site. The site includes agricultural terraces, plazas, residential areas, and temples. It is an almost intact ruin located high in the Andes Mountains. |
Christ the Redeemer | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | A colossal statue of Jesus atop Mount Corcovado, standing 98 feet (30 meters) tall with outstretched arms spanning 92 feet (28 meters). This Art Deco sculpture is made of reinforced concrete covered in tiles. It has been struck by lightning multiple times. |
Colosseum | Rome, Italy | A first-century amphitheater commissioned by Emperor Vespasian. Measuring 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters), it could hold 50,000 spectators for events like gladiator fights and naval reenactments. The idea of Christian martyrdom in the Colosseum is debated. |
Taj Mahal | Agra, India | A famous mausoleum complex built by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed over 22 years by 20,000 workers, it is made of white marble decorated with semi-precious stones in geometric and floral designs. The central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes, and it is renowned for its beauty. |
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Interesting Facts on Seven Wonders of the World
- Great Wall of China
- The Great Wall is often said to be visible from space, but this is actually a myth! It can’t be seen with the naked eye from the moon.
- The wall wasn’t built all at once; it took centuries to construct and was mainly built for defense against invasions.
2. Chichén Itzá
- El Castillo, the famous pyramid, is an ancient Mayan calendar in stone. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow that looks like a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps.
- The city’s name means “at the mouth of the well of Itzá,” referring to nearby sacred cenotes (natural sinkholes).
3. Petra
- Petra is also called the “Rose City” due to the pink color of the stone. It was famously featured in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
- It was unknown to the Western world until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it.
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4. Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas” because it remained hidden for centuries until its discovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.
- The site is built in the Andes Mountains, 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, and is a testament to Inca engineering without mortar.
5. Christ the Redeemer
- Christ the Redeemer was built in pieces in France, then shipped to Brazil and assembled atop Mount Corcovado.
- The statue weighs 635 metric tons, and every year it is struck by lightning several times due to its high location.
6. Colosseum
- The Colosseum had a retractable roof called a “velarium,” which could be extended to protect spectators from the sun.
- Gladiatorial games weren’t the only events; the Colosseum also hosted mock naval battles by flooding the arena.
7. Taj Mahal
- The Taj Mahal appears to change color throughout the day, from pinkish hues in the morning to white in the afternoon and golden at night, due to the reflection of sunlight.
- Legend has it that Emperor Shah Jahan wanted to build a black marble version of the Taj Mahal across the river but was overthrown before he could start the project.