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The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Inspired by religion, mythology, and art, the ancient civilizations from 2700 BC to 270 BC undertook the construction of massive projects that filled people with awe and wonder. Unfortunately, out of the seven original ancient wonders, only one remains: the Pyramids of Giza. Others have been ravaged by fire, conquests, earthquakes, and time.
The ancient Greeks and Romans allegedly compiled the first Seven Wonders list though it was only completed during the Middle Ages. Because only a few drawings remain of these seven wonders, archeologists rely heavily on takes and literacy to get a glimpse of what the structures looked like.
Included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are:
Great Pyramids of Giza – constructed over 4,000 years ago, the Pyramids are the sole surviving ancient wonder. They serve as the tomb of Egyptian pharaohs whose remains are surrounded by personal treasures and other belongings.
Google Earth Blog: Great Pyramid of Giza in 3D
BBC: Ancient History of the Egyptians
Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association
Temple of Artemis – made from marble, the structure was created in honor of the Greek virgin goddess of the hunt and moon. It was initially constructed in 6th century BC and was rebuilt in the 4th century BC. However, the Goths finally destroyed it in the 3rd century AD though some temple fragments remain in the British Museum today.
Crystal Links: Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Jerash-Temple of Artemis
Colossus of Rhodes – standing 105 feet high, the bronze statue of sun god Helios is placed at the mouth of Rhodes harbor. It was built during 292-280 BC and was destroyed in 224 BC by an earthquake.
7 Wonders: Colossus of Rhodes
Rhodes Guide
Hanging Gardens of Babylon – built by Nebuchadnezzar 11 in the 6th century, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon consists of terraces where trees and flowers were grown. It stretched along the banks of Euphrates and was irrigated by water channels.
UNMuseum
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Status of Zeus at Olympia – standing 30 feet high, this status was made from wood and covered by ivory and gold. It was designed by Phidias in the 5th Century BC and was destroyed by fire in AC 475.
Athen’s Guide: The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
Lighthouse at Alexandria – estimated to be 400 feet high, the lighthouse, constructed in 280 BC, was the first known lighthouse in the world. It featured a spiral ramp that led to the beacon. Built at Pharos, at the entrance to the Alexandrian harbor in Egypt, it had fallen into ruin by the 15th century.
Tour Egypt: Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria
Seven Wonders: Light House of Alexandria
Mausoleum of Maussollos – constructed as the tomb for Maussollos, the ruler of Caria in the 4th Century BC, the structure was destroyed before the 15th century because of an earthquake.
New World Encyclopedia: Mausoleum of Maussollos
Ancient History Facts: Mausoleum of Maussollos