Wonders of the World
Introduction
The term "Wonders of the World" refers to remarkable constructions or natural phenomena that have been recognized for their extraordinary beauty, size, or historical significance. Over the centuries, various lists of wonders have been compiled, each reflecting the values and knowledge of its time. The most famous of these is the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," but numerous other lists have been created, including the "New7Wonders of the World," the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World," and others. This article explores these lists in detail, examining their historical context, criteria for selection, and the enduring fascination they hold.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the earliest known list of remarkable human-made structures. Compiled by various Hellenic authors, the list includes:
1. **Great Pyramid of Giza**: The only surviving wonder, this pyramid was constructed around 2580–2560 BCE during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. It served as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu and showcases advanced engineering techniques of ancient Egypt.
2. **Hanging Gardens of Babylon**: Allegedly built in the ancient city-state of Babylon, near present-day Iraq, these gardens are described as a remarkable feat of engineering with lush terraces. However, their existence remains debated among historians.
3. **Statue of Zeus at Olympia**: Crafted by the sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, this statue was a monumental representation of the Greek god Zeus, located in the sanctuary of Olympia, Greece.
4. **Temple of Artemis at Ephesus**: A large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, located in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). It was rebuilt multiple times, with the most famous version completed around 550 BCE.
5. **Mausoleum at Halicarnassus**: A tomb built for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, in the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) around 350 BCE. It was renowned for its architectural beauty.
6. **Colossus of Rhodes**: A giant statue of the sun god Helios, erected on the Greek island of Rhodes around 280 BCE. It stood approximately 33 meters high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world.
7. **Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos of Alexandria)**: Constructed on the small island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt, around 280 BCE, it was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time, guiding sailors safely to the harbor.
New7Wonders of the World
In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation conducted a global poll to determine a new list of wonders, reflecting contemporary values and global participation. The winners were:
1. **Great Wall of China**: A series of fortifications built across northern China to protect against invasions. Its construction began as early as the 7th century BCE and continued until the 16th century.
2. **Petra**: An archaeological city in southern Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and thrived during the 1st century CE.
3. **Christ the Redeemer**: A colossal statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Completed in 1931, it stands 30 meters tall and is a symbol of Christianity across the world.
4. **Machu Picchu**: An Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built in the 15th century, it is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and panoramic views.
5. **Chichen Itza**: A large pre-Columbian archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico, built by the Maya civilization. The site includes the Temple of Kukulcán, a step pyramid that served as a temple to the deity Kukulcán.
6. **Roman Colosseum**: An ancient amphitheater in Rome, Italy, capable of seating up to 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
7. **Taj Mahal**: A white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1643, it is an exemplar of Mughal architecture.
Seven Natural Wonders of the World
The Seven Natural Wonders of the World is a list that highlights the most astonishing natural formations on Earth. These include:
1. **Mount Everest**: The highest mountain peak in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It rises to an elevation of 8,848 meters.
2. **Great Barrier Reef**: The world's largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
3. **Grand Canyon**: A steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, USA. It is approximately 446 kilometers long and up to 29 kilometers wide.
4. **Aurora Borealis**: Also known as the Northern Lights, this natural light display occurs in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. It is caused by the interaction of solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere.
5. **Parícutin**: A cinder cone volcano in Michoacán, Mexico. It erupted in 1943 and is notable for being witnessed from its formation to its extinction.
6. **Victoria Falls**: A waterfall on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.
7. **Harbor of Rio de Janeiro**: A natural harbor in Brazil, known for its stunning landscape and the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain.
Criteria for Selection
The selection of wonders, whether ancient or modern, is often based on a combination of factors including architectural innovation, cultural significance, aesthetic beauty, and historical impact. For natural wonders, criteria may include geological uniqueness, ecological importance, and visual grandeur. The process of selection can be subjective, influenced by cultural perspectives and technological advancements.
Cultural and Historical Impact
The concept of the "Wonders of the World" has had a profound impact on cultural heritage and tourism. These wonders serve as symbols of human achievement and natural beauty, inspiring countless travelers, scholars, and artists. They also play a crucial role in the preservation of history and the promotion of cultural understanding.