Discover the 8 Wonders of the World: A Journey Through Time and Culture

The “8 Wonders of the World” is a list of remarkable and awe-inspiring architectural and engineering marvels that have captivated people for centuries. These wonders are considered the greatest achievements of human creativity and ingenuity, showcasing the power and beauty of our civilization. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Colosseum in Rome, these iconic structures continue to inspire wonder and admiration among people all over the world.

1. The Eight Wonders of the World: Origins and History

Origins

The original concept of the Seven Wonders of the World dates back to ancient Greece in 450 BC. A Greek historian named Antipater of Sidon compiled a list of seven remarkable structures that he believed represented the pinnacle of human achievement. These included the Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, and Lighthouse at Alexandria.

History

Over time, different versions emerged with varying lists and number counts. In 2007, a new list was created through an online voting process called New7Wonders. This list includes the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico, Roman Colosseum in Italy, Taj Mahal in India and The Great Pyramid of Giza.

Fun Fact:

The Great Pyramid is the only wonder from Antipater’s original list that remains standing today.

2. Criteria Used to Select the Eight Wonders of the World

Antipater’s Criteria

Antipater’s criteria for selecting his Seven Wonders were based on architectural and engineering marvels that showcased human ingenuity and skill.

New7Wonders Criteria

The New7Wonders criteria focused on cultural significance and popularity. The seven sites were chosen through a global voting process where people could vote for their favorite landmarks online or via text message.

Fun Fact:

The New7Wonders campaign received over 100 million votes worldwide.

3. Lost and Destroyed Wonders: What Happened to the Original List?

Lost Wonders

Of Antipater’s original Seven Wonders, only one remains standing today- The Great Pyramid of Giza. The rest have been destroyed or lost over time.

List of Lost Wonders:

  • Hanging Gardens of Babylon
  • Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
  • Statue of Zeus at Olympia
  • Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
  • Colossus of Rhodes
  • Lighthouse at Alexandria

Destroyed Wonders

Some wonders were destroyed by natural disasters like earthquakes, while others were destroyed by human actions such as war and vandalism.

List of Destroyed Wonders:

  • Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan
  • The Library of Alexandria in Egypt
  • The Parthenon in Greece
  • The Sphinx’s Nose in Egypt

4. Modern-Day Wonders: Potential Contenders for a Revised List

Potential Contenders:

There are many modern-day wonders that could be considered for a revised list. Here are some potential contenders:

  1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai – The tallest building in the world.
  2. Panama Canal – A man-made canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
  3. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore – A futuristic park with giant tree-like structures covered in plants and flowers.
  4. The Channel Tunnel, UK/France – A 50-kilometer rail tunnel that runs beneath the English Channel.
  5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco – A suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate strait.

5. Changing Perceptions and Impact of the Eight Wonders on Global Culture and Tourism

Changing Perceptions

The perception of what constitutes a wonder has changed over time. While Antipater’s list focused on architectural and engineering marvels, modern-day lists also consider cultural significance and popularity.

Fun Fact:

The Great Wall of China was not included in Antipater’s original list because it was not known to the ancient Greeks.

Impact on Global Culture and Tourism

The Seven Wonders of the World have become iconic symbols of human achievement and attract millions of tourists each year. They also serve as a reminder of our shared global history and cultural heritage.

Fun Fact:

Visitors to Petra in Jordan increased by over 100% after it was named one of the New7Wonders.

In conclusion, the 8 Wonders of the World represent some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring feats of human engineering and creativity throughout history, serving as a testament to our boundless imagination and ingenuity.

This article discusses the origins and history of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the New7Wonders campaign that created a new list in 2007. It also explores the criteria used to select these wonders and provides a list of lost wonders from Antipater’s original list, which includes structures such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.

FAQ

What is the official 8th Wonder of the World?

Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s eight World Heritage Sites, is famous for its pre-Christian frescoes from the 5th century. It was also recognized as the 8th Wonder of the World by UNESCO.

What is the missing 8th Wonder of the World?

The Amber Room, considered by many as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was a valuable creation of art in Russia until it was stolen by Nazi Germany during World War II and went missing thereafter. Andreas Schlüter, a renowned architect and German baroque sculptor, designed the Amber Room for Charlottenburg Palace.

When was the 8th wonder of the world?

The Houston Astrodome, also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, was built in 1965 and quickly became a national sensation, bringing pride to the city of Houston and increasing its reputation across the country.

Is Angkor Wat 7 Wonders of the World?

Angkor Wat is a well-known landmark in Cambodia that is located in the center of the 400 square kilometer Angkor Archaeological Park.

Which is the No 7 wonder in world?

The Taj Mahal, Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and Great Wall of China are known as the Seven Wonders of the World.

Which is the 9th wonder of the world?

The collection of books and materials found in a library’s stacks is considered the Ninth Wonder of the World. Wonder refers to something that inspires amazement or admiration, and visiting the stacks is sure to evoke these feelings. Wonders are often stumbled upon rather than actively sought out.

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