Throughout history, mankind has been striving to build monuments that are greater than those before them. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Taj Mahal, humans have created awe-inspiring and iconic structures that stand as a testament to our ingenuity.

How were the new Seven Wonders of the World chosen?

The New Seven Wonders of the World were chosen through a global online poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2007.

More than 100 million votes were cast from over 200 countries, and seven man-made structures emerged as the winners. All seven have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites for their cultural significance to humanity.

Each site is an iconic symbol of its respective country’s history and culture and are celebrated globally for their beauty, ingenuity and grandeur.

New Seven Wonders of the World

These are some of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the world. If you haven’t been to any of them yet, add them to your bucket list!

The Colosseum

The Colosseum, one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, is a must-see for any first-time visitor. This colossal structure was built over 2,000 years ago and is one of the largest amphitheaters in the world. Although it is now in ruins, it is still an impressive sight.

The Colosseum was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian between 72 and 80 AD. It was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and could seat up to 50,000 spectators. It was used for a variety of entertainment including gladiator fights, animal hunts, and public executions.

Over the centuries, the Colosseum fell into disrepair and was looted for its stone. In the 18th century, it was used as a quarry for other building projects in Rome. Today, only about 1/3 of the original structure remains standing.

Despite its ruined state, the Colosseum is still one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. It receives millions of visitors each year from all over the world.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in modern-day Peru. The city is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River Valley, and is surrounded by lush rainforest. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built as a royal estate or country retreat for Incan emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472).

The city of Machu Picchu is made up of dozens of stone buildings, temples, and plazas, all connected by a network of paved roads and paths.

The most famous structure in Machu Picchu is the Intihuatana, a large sun dial carved from a single piece of granite. Other notable structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Royal Tomb.

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham III. Today, it is one of Peru’s top tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Chichen Itza

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, Chichen Itza was once one of the largest cities in the Mayan empire. The ancient city is home to many well-preserved ruins, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid. Visitors can explore the ancient city and learn about its history and culture.

Petra

The ancient city of Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. It is located in present-day Jordan, and was once the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. The city is renowned for its magnificent architecture and sculptures, carved into the sandstone cliffs.

Petra was first inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin people in the early Bronze Age. Around 1200 BCE, the Nabataeans settled in the area and began to build their city.

The city reached its peak during the 1st century CE, when it became a prosperous center of trade. However, following the Roman conquest of Syria in 106 CE, Petra began to decline. It was eventually abandoned after an earthquake in 363 CE.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 20,000 workers from India and Central Asia were employed in its construction, which took over 20 years to complete.

The Taj Mahal is truly a wonder of the world. Its intricate design and beautiful setting make it a must-see for anyone visiting India.

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The statue, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands at an impressive 98 feet tall and overlooks the city below.

Christ the Redeemer is made of concrete and stone, and was built between 1922 and 1931. The statue is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brazil.

The Great Wall of China

Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches for over 13,000 miles across China. It was originally built to protect the Chinese empire from invaders, but today it is a popular tourist destination.

Over the centuries, the Great Wall has been rebuilt and repaired many times. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Every year, millions of people visit the Great Wall to admire its grandeur and learn about its history.

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are some of the most iconic and impressive structures that have ever been built.

For centuries, they have captured the imaginations of people all over the world, and their stories continue to be told today.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is also one of the most mysterious, with its origins dating back to around 2560 BCE.

The pyramid is located in Egypt and stands at a whopping 455 feet tall. It is made up of approximately 2.3 million limestone blocks, which weighing an average of 2.5 tons each.

The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu and is believed to have taken around 20 years to construct.

It is the only surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and continues to baffle researchers and archaeologists today.

How did the ancient Egyptians move such massive stones and assemble them into such a perfectly-built structure? We may never know for sure, but that doesn’t make the Great Pyramid any less incredible.

Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a 110-foot-tall bronze statue of the Greek Titan Helios, erected in 280 BCE on the island of Rhodes. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The statue was built to commemorate the victory of the Rhodians over Demetrius Poliorcetes, who besieged the city for a year. The Colossus straddled the harbor entrance, and ships passing through would have to sail around it.

Over the centuries, earthquakes toppled the statue, and it lay in ruins until 653 CE when an Arab army destroyed it. Today, only fragments remain.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BCE. The gardens were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1st century BCE.

The Hanging Gardens were located in the city of Babylon, which was in present-day Iraq. The gardens were built on a terrace that was supported by brick walls. The terrace was about 400 feet wide and 400 feet long. It was four stories high.

The gardens were planted with trees, shrubs, and vines. There were also flowers and other plants. Water for the plants came from a system of pumps and channels.

Lighthouse of Alexandria

It was built in the 3rd century BC on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt. The lighthouse was about 400 feet tall and was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world at that time. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century and only the ruins remain today.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built in 350 BCE by order of King Mausolus of Caria, in present-day Turkey.

The tomb was designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythis, and decorated with relief sculptures by Bryaxis, Leochares, Timotheus, and others. The structure was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Mausoleum was built on a hill overlooking the city of Halicarnassus. It was made of white marble and stood 135 feet tall. The tomb had four stories, each decorated with columns and sculptures. A statue of Mausolus stood on the top story.

The Mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes in the 12th and 15th centuries CE. Today, only ruins remain.

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

It was a massive statue of the Greek god Zeus, and was considered one of the greatest artworks of the ancient world. The statue was lost in antiquity, and its ruins were not rediscovered until the late 18th century.

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was sculpted by the Greek artist Phidias. It stood approximately 12 metres (40 feet) tall, and was made of gold and ivory. The statue depicted Zeus seated on a throne, with a sceptre in his hand. On either side of him were two figures: Nike, the goddess of victory, and an eagle.

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was destroyed by fire in 423 AD. Its ruins were rediscovered in 1766 by the French archaeologist Pierre de Coubertin.

Conclusion

The Wonders of the World represent some of the most remarkable structures and monuments that humanity has ever created.

From the ancient pyramids to modern wonders like the Great Wall, these breathtaking sights are sure to leave you in awe. Whether it’s due to their sheer size or intricate beauty, each one is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

The Wonders of the World remind us that anything can be achieved when we put our minds and hearts into something. We hope this article inspired you to explore more historical sites throughout your travels!