Seven Wonders of the World are the oldest architectural monuments, which are considered to be the greatest creations made by the human hands. Why there are seven of them? Why did they choose this number? It is so because this number belonged to Apollo and it is a symbol of completeness and perfection.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the list of famous ancient monuments, compiled by ancient historians and travelers, including the famous “father of history” Herodotus. This list was repeatedly edited and its classic version was formed 2.2 thousand years ago, thanks to the efforts of Philo of Byzantium. In the list of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” included:
Pyramids of Giza
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Olympic statue of Zeus
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Colossus of Rhodes
The lighthouse of Alexandria on the island Pharos.
Classic list of the Seven Wonders of the World appeared in the III century BC. It included the great architectural, historical and cultural monuments of the ancient world. But the years passed, and more and more new wonders appeared in the world. These new wonders today can be also considered as wonders of the world which are the most outstanding works made by human.
Now let’s get to know more about the main wonders of the ancient world and of course about the history of their creation.
First Wonder of the World: The Pyramids of Giza
One of the most ancient and, nevertheless, striking Wonders of the World are the Great Pyramids, located in Giza (Egypt). The complex of buildings gizeysky represents the greatest architectural monument ever created by human. Total in Egypt was found over hundreds of pyramidal structures, but most of them do not stand the test of time.
Second Wonder of the World: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Hanging Gardens of Babylon are the second most important miracle of the world. Unfortunately, this amazing architectural structure is not survived to our days, but the memory of it still remained.
Third Wonder of the World: Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Statue of Zeus at Olympia is the third largest Wonder of the World, whose history began long before its creation – in 776 BC. Then for the first time in the temple, which was built in honor of the father of the gods, the participants of the Olympic Games arrived.
Fourth Wonder of the World: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Ancient Greek Ephesus knew a period of unprecedented prosperity. Founded in the XII century BC, the city was the largest center of commerce, exuded wealth and prosperity. Artemis patronized him. Artemis was known as the goddess of fertility and protector of animals, protectress of women in childbirth and hunters. Holy honoring her, the townspeople decided to build in honor of Artemis magnificent temple, which, moreover, had much to increase the income of the city.
Fifth Wonder of the World: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is the same age as the second Temple of Artemis. The same builders who restored the shrine after the fire, arranged by Gyrostat took part in its building. The building is a ziggurat that is served as a tomb, a shrine and monument at the same time. It should be noted that the name “mausoleum” derives from the name of the powerful and cruel ruler of Caria – Mausolus.
Sixth Wonder of the World: The Colossus of Rhodes
Three massive stone pillars formed the basis of 36-meter-high statue. They were held together by iron beams on the shoulders of the Colossus, which were to provide him with stability. It took 12 years to build this construction; finally the world saw the greatest statue, head of which was adorned by radiant crown.
Seventh Wonder of the World: Lighthouse of Alexandria
History of the Seventh Wonder of the World – The Lighthouse of Alexandria – is associated with a foundation of Alexandria in 332 BC, the city that was named in honor of the great Roman general of Alexander the Great. It should be noted that throughout his career conqueror founded about 17 towns with similar names, but only the Egyptian project managed to survive until today.