Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World
Since the beginning of human civilization, people have been fascinated by the grandeur and wonder of the ancient world. Many amazing monuments, vast cities and incredible architectural achievements have been constructed throughout history. Although most of these wondrous feats have since been destroyed or left to decay, they still evoke a sense of admiration and awe. Here are seven of the most famous examples of the ancient world’s wonders:
The Great Pyramid of Giza: Built more than 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This grand structure was built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu and stands at an amazing 481 feet in height. It is not just the size of the Great Pyramid that astounded observers, but its perfect symmetry and astoundingly accurate measurements, which suggest that much of the building was planned out in a meticulous and organized manner.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Considered one of the most beautiful Ancient Wonders of the World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II in an attempt to cheer up his homesick wife. These magnificent gardens were made up of many layers of stepped terraces, and on each layer grew a variety of exotic plants and flowers. What made this wonder so amazing was its construction: the gardens were reportedly built off the ground, with bricks and stones held in place by arches.
The Colossus of Rhodes: Built around 300 BC, the Colossus of Rhodes was an impressive statue of the sun god Helios that stood at an incredible 33 meters tall. It was sculpted by the great master sculptor Chares of Lindos and stood at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes. It was eventually destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, and only fragments of the statue remain.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Construction on the Lighthouse of Alexandria began around 285 BC and was completed around 300 BC. This impressive structure was built at the entrance to Alexandria’s harbor, and rose to a height of 425 feet. This lighthouse, much like the Colossus of Rhodes, was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century, though some ruins of the ancient structure still remain.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Designed by the great architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was constructed between 550 BC and 350 BC. This grand temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis, and was one of the largest temples in the ancient world. It was destroyed in 403 CE and all that remains are sections of its foundation and scattered stones.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a magnificent tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap and ruler of Caria, by his wife and sister, Artemisia II of Caria, in 353 BC. The magnificent structure was built in the form of a stepped pyramid and was decorated with reliefs and statues. The mausoleum was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century and all that remains is a large stone platform and some ruins of the amazing structure.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a stunning chryselephantine sculpture of the Greek god Zeus that was created around 435 BC. It was sculpted by the great artist Phidias and stood at a staggering 12 meters in height. Sadly, it was destroyed in the 5th century and all that remains of the statue today are the ruins of its pedestal.
These seven wonders of the ancient world are a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their creators. While some have been destroyed by natural disasters or human intervention, these amazing creations continue to hold a special place in human history.
