The seven wonders of the Ancient World was a collection of remarkable constructions listed by Greek authors. The list includes the great pyramid of Giza, the Temple of Artemis at Epheus, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicanassus, Colossus of Rhodes. However, in 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare the new Seven Wonders of the World. The following list of seven is considered the new seven wonders of the modern world:
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CHRIST THE REDEEMER (CHRIST of RIO), BRAZIL
Christ the Redeemer is a monumental statue located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is today the symbol of the city and, beyond that, of the whole of Brazil. It was first imagined in 1850 by a Catholic priest, but this project was born in 1920, when a petition of support was initiated for the construction of a Christian statue. Once the style was chosen, construction began in 1922 and took nine years to be completed. The Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa. Today, the Christ of Rio, or the Corcovado as it is popularly called, is an important tourist attraction, and among the most visited monuments in Brazil. It has an estimation of 600,000 visitors a year. It was, in 2017, voted among the seven wonders of the modern world.
CHICHEN ITZA, MEXICO
Chichen Itza is the second most popular site for visitors to Mexico. The name Chichen Itza means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza”. It was voted among the seven wonders of the modern world. Chichen Itza was a large city built by the Maya in Yutcatan Peninsula. It thrived from about 600 AD., until 1221, when the power in the region shifted to Mayapan. The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. Today it still visited by tourists and religious pilgrims alike. Among the fun facts of the Chichen Itza is that many of the Maya people that lived in Chichen Itza were very skilled craftsmen, including sculptors, weavers, jewelers, and potters.
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THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invaders located in northern China. It is one of the most recognized symbol in China because of its rich history. The Great Wall was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century B.C. as a means of preventing incursions from barbarian nomads. The Great Wall of China totals more than 13,000 miles in length. Though it never completely prevented invaders from entering China, it came to function as a powerful symbol of Chinese civilization enduring strength. The wall is one of the most visited in the world with over 10 million people every year. The Badaling section of the wall has been visited by over 300 heads of State and VIPs from around the world. So, if you find yourself in China and love hiking, the great wall should be your next stop.
THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM, ROME
Another interesting wonder of the new world the Roman Colosseum, built between the A.D. 70 and 80 A.D. and was in use for some 500 years. The Roman Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. Its elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.
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PETRA, JORDAN
Petra was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. It was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime around 9 B. C. to A.D. 40. Petra was voted among the seven wonders of the modern world in 2007. In its early years, the members proved to be experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create and pseudo-oasis. The El-Deir monastery and a 4000-seat amphitheater are a number of incredible structures carved in stone that helped the site earn its fame.
TAJ MAHAJ, INDIA
Among the seven wonders of the modern world is Taj Mahaj. A mausoleum built between 1632 and 1648, commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India. The white marble structure represents quite a number of architectural styles, including Islamic, Turkish, Indian and Persian. The Taj Mahal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds, and a linear reflecting pool.
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MACHU PICCHU, PERU
The last on the list of the seven new wonders of the world is Machu Picchu. It is an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was re-discovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
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