7 Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a list of remarkable constructions of classical antiquity. While only one of them, the Great Pyramid of Giza, still exists, they were all celebrated for their architectural and artistic achievements. Here is the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World:
The Great Pyramid of Giza: Located in Egypt, the Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders that still stands today. It was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) around 2560 BC and is the largest of the three pyramids in Giza.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: These legendary gardens were said to have been constructed in the ancient city of Babylon (near present-day Hillah, Babil, in Iraq). They were supposedly built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife Amytis, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia: This colossal statue was located in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. Crafted by the renowned sculptor Phidias around 435 BC, it depicted the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, seated on a magnificent throne.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Located in Ephesus, an ancient Greek city in present-day Turkey, this temple was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was rebuilt several times, with the final version being an ornate structure completed around 550 BC.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum was a grand tomb constructed in the city of Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) for Mausolus, a satrap (governor) in the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II. It was completed around 350 BC and is the origin of the word "mausoleum."
The Colossus of Rhodes: This colossal bronze statue of the sun god Helios stood at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes, an ancient Greek island. Built around 280 BC, it was one of the tallest statues of the ancient world, reaching a height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet).
The Lighthouse of Alexandria: Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this lighthouse was situated on the island of Pharos in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. Built around 280 BC, it was a marvel of ancient engineering and served as a guiding light for sailors entering the busy harbor.
It's important to note that the list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was created by various ancient writers and travelers, and there were other lists with different wonders. These wonders have captured the imagination of people for centuries and remain a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world.
