World History

Wonders of the World

The "Seven Wonders" concept dates back to ancient Greek travelers who documented the most remarkable structures of the Mediterranean world. Only one ancient wonder still stands today. In 2007, a global poll established a new list of seven wonders from the modern era.

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

This list was compiled around 200 BC by Greek historians and travelers. These were the must-see tourist attractions of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East.

• Great Pyramid of Giza Still Standing
  Egypt, ~2560 BC. The oldest and only surviving ancient wonder. Built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Originally 481 feet tall, took 20 years to build with 2.3 million stone blocks.
• Hanging Gardens of Babylon Destroyed
  Babylon (modern Iraq), ~600 BC. Tiered gardens built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife. Some historians debate whether they actually existed. Destroyed by earthquakes after the 1st century BC.
• Statue of Zeus at Olympia Destroyed
  Greece, ~435 BC. 40-foot seated statue of Zeus made of ivory and gold. Created by sculptor Phidias. Destroyed by fire in the 5th century AD.
• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Destroyed
  Turkey, ~550 BC. Greek temple dedicated to goddess Artemis. Rebuilt three times. Final destruction by the Goths in 262 AD. Only foundations remain.
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus Destroyed
  Turkey, ~350 BC. Tomb built for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire. The word "mausoleum" comes from his name. Destroyed by earthquakes between the 12th-15th centuries.
• Colossus of Rhodes Destroyed
  Greece, ~280 BC. 108-foot bronze statue of sun god Helios. Stood at the entrance to Rhodes harbor. Collapsed during an earthquake in 226 BC after standing only 54 years.
• Lighthouse of Alexandria Destroyed
  Egypt, ~280 BC. One of the tallest structures in the ancient world at 330-450 feet. Guided sailors for nearly 1,500 years. Destroyed by earthquakes between 956-1323 AD.

New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)

In 2007, over 100 million people voted in a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation to select seven modern wonders. The Great Pyramid of Giza was given honorary status as it already held "wonder" status.

• Great Wall of China
  China, 7th century BC - 1644 AD. Series of fortifications spanning 13,000+ miles. Built over centuries to protect against invasions. The most extensive construction project in human history.
• Petra
  Jordan, ~300 BC. Ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans. Hidden from the Western world until 1812. Famous for the Treasury facade (Al-Khazneh).
• Christ the Redeemer
  Brazil, 1931. 98-foot Art Deco statue of Jesus atop Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Arms span 92 feet. Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.
• Machu Picchu
  Peru, ~1450 AD. Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains at 7,970 feet. Abandoned during the Spanish conquest. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• Chichen Itza
  Mexico, 600-1200 AD. Large Mayan city featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid. The pyramid has 365 steps, one for each day of the year. Famous for the serpent shadow effect during equinoxes.
• Roman Colosseum
  Italy, 80 AD. Largest amphitheater ever built, seating 50,000-80,000 spectators. Hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Still the largest standing amphitheater.
• Taj Mahal
  India, 1653. White marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Took 22 years and 20,000 workers. Considered the finest example of Mughal architecture.