The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the New Modern Wonders
- Marcelo Serafim
- Sep 13, 2024
- 5 min read
Throughout history, humanity has marveled at architectural achievements that defy imagination. The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a compilation of remarkable constructions that stood as symbols of human ingenuity and artistic skill. Fast forward to the present day, and the modern world has also brought forth a new list of wonders—each representing the cultural and engineering prowess of the time. This article examines both the ancient wonders and the seven new wonders of the modern era.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were remarkable constructions known for their grandeur and mystery. Most were built around the Mediterranean, including:
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt (the only one still standing today).
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon in present-day Iraq, known for their lush beauty, though their existence is debated.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia in Greece, a giant seated figure made by the sculptor Phidias.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in modern Turkey, an architectural marvel dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in present-day Turkey, an elaborate tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap.
The Colossus of Rhodes in Greece, a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt, which stood as one of the tallest man-made structures in the world at the time.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The only surviving wonder, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu around 2580–2560 BC. Standing at an impressive 146.6 meters (481 feet) when it was built, it was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. Today, it remains an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization and engineering prowess.
The New Seven Wonders of the Modern World
In 2007, a global initiative led by the New7Wonders Foundation created a list of "New Seven Wonders of the World," chosen from a pool of 200 existing monuments. Millions of people worldwide voted for these new wonders, which include:
The Great Wall of China – stretching over 13,000 miles, this structure is a symbol of China's strength and endurance.
Petra in Jordan – an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, known for its stunning architecture.
Christ the Redeemer in Brazil – the iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro that symbolizes peace and Christianity.
Machu Picchu in Peru – a lost city of the Incas, located high in the Andes mountains.
The Colosseum in Italy – a massive amphitheater in Rome that hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
The Taj Mahal in India – a white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Chichen Itza in Mexico – a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, known for its astronomical alignments.
Petra: The Rose City
Petra, often called the "Rose City" due to the color of its sandstone cliffs, was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom. Its water-conduit system and magnificent rock-cut architecture were advanced for its time. Petra is most famous for the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a temple with intricate Hellenistic architectural details.
The Engineering Feat of the Great Wall of China
Constructed over several dynasties, the Great Wall of China served as a defense mechanism against invasions. Spanning over 13,000 miles, it’s one of the most incredible engineering accomplishments in history. Contrary to popular belief, it is not visible from the moon, but its impressive scale can be seen from space.
Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas
Machu Picchu, located in Peru, was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. It sits on a mountain ridge and is thought to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for the Inca rulers. Its complex terraces, temples, and living quarters reflect the sophisticated engineering skills of the Inca civilization.
Christ the Redeemer: Symbol of Faith and Peace
Standing atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most recognized symbols of Christianity worldwide. Completed in 1931, the 30-meter (98-foot) statue was built by French sculptor Paul Landowski and is a cultural icon of Brazil.
The Colosseum: Gladiators and Spectacles
The Colosseum in Rome, built between 70 and 80 AD, is an enduring symbol of the Roman Empire’s architectural and engineering capabilities. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Despite being partially damaged by earthquakes, it remains a major tourist attraction.
Ancient vs. Modern Wonders
A comparison between the ancient and modern wonders reveals both continuity and change. While the ancient wonders were centered around religious and cultural significance, many modern wonders serve as examples of the fusion between natural beauty and human architectural achievement. Both lists reflect humanity's desire to create monumental structures that will stand the test of time.
The Future of Wonders
As technology advances, future wonders may emerge that blend sustainability, innovation, and architecture. Smart cities and eco-friendly structures could represent a new era of human achievement. With ongoing discoveries and technological advancements, it is fascinating to think about what new wonders will capture the world’s imagination in the centuries to come.
Questions:
Which ancient wonder is the only one still standing today?
How were the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World selected?
What makes Petra unique among the wonders?
What was the purpose of the Great Wall of China?
What is the significance of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil?
Vocabulary Section:
Mausoleum – A large, stately tomb or building housing tombs.
Dynasty – A succession of rulers from the same family or lineage.
Amphitheater – A round or oval building with a central space for events, surrounded by seats for spectators.
Conduit – A channel or pipe for conveying water or other fluids.
Reconsecrated – Restored or renewed for religious use.
Endurance – The ability to withstand hardship or adversity.
Astronomical – Relating to or connected with astronomy, or something very large in scale.
Iconic – Widely recognized and well-established, representing a particular idea or symbol.
Excavation – The process of digging up the earth to find buried remains.
Inca – Refers to the indigenous people of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly during the height of the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquest.
Spectacle – A visually striking performance or display, often used in the context of large public events.
Phrasal Verb Section: "Stand Out"
Meaning: To be very noticeable or easily seen in a group or crowd.
Example 1: The Colosseum in Rome stands out as one of the greatest achievements of Roman architecture.
Example 2: Petra's unique rock-cut architecture stands out among other ancient wonders for its complexity.
American Idiom: "Hold your breath"
Meaning: To wait for something to happen, especially when you are anxious or excited about it.
Example: People from all around the world held their breath when the New Seven Wonders of the World were being announced.
English Grammar Tip: Definite and Indefinite Articles
When discussing specific items or well-known things, we use the (definite article). When referring to something more general or not yet specified, we use a or an (indefinite articles).
Example 1: The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous ancient structures.
Example 2: A new wonder of the world was recently announced.
Listening
Homework Proposal:
Research and choose a modern-day architectural structure you think could be considered a "wonder" in the future. Write a short essay explaining your choice, focusing on its significance, how it reflects modern engineering, and its potential historical impact.
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