The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Summary

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were iconic man-made structures that intrigued travelers for centuries. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving wonder, with others like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon shrouded in mystery. From the majestic Statue of Zeus to the towering Colossus of Rhodes, each wonder had a fascinating history of construction and eventual destruction, often by earthquakes. While some, like the Lighthouse of Alexandria, still inspire exploration, the legacy of these wonders continues to captivate through modern lists and research, including ongoing efforts to preserve or reconstruct them.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were early travel recommendations for tourists, listing remarkable man-made sites that travelers should visit.
• 😀 The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are the least known of the Seven Wonders, with no definitive archaeological evidence or confirmed location of where they actually existed.
• 😀 The earliest known reference to the Seven Wonders comes from Pho of Byzantium in 225 BC, though other earlier mentions exist, and Greek historian Herodotus is often linked to the creation of the list.
• 😀 The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving wonder, and it was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years.
• 😀 The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, an ornate tomb, became the basis for the modern word 'mausoleum' but was eventually destroyed by earthquakes and looted for its stones.
• 😀 The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a towering structure built to guide ships into Alexandria's harbor, but it was destroyed in a series of earthquakes, and parts of it are still visible underwater today.
• 😀 The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, a colossal ivory and gold statue of the Greek god, lasted through the Pagan era before being destroyed, possibly by fire in Constantinople.
• 😀 The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was rebuilt three times, once in 550 BC by a wealthy king, and it was famously burned down by arson on the day Alexander the Great was born.
• 😀 The Colossus of Rhodes was a giant statue of the sun god Helios that stood for only 50 years before being destroyed by an earthquake, with its ruins remaining for centuries.
• 😀 The mystery surrounding the Hanging Gardens of Babylon suggests it might not have existed at all, as ancient sources often refer to it secondhand, and there is no direct evidence of its construction.
• 😀 The concept of 'Seven Wonders' has persisted through time, influencing lists of modern wonders, including the New Seven Wonders, though some people have pushed for the reconstruction of the ancient ones.

Q & A

What is the origin of the concept of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

The concept originated from ancient Greek lists of notable sites and attractions, with the earliest known reference by Philo of Byzantium around 225 B.C. Earlier mentions exist, but the Greek historian Herodotus, who lived two centuries before Philo, is often credited with popularizing the idea.

Which is the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World?

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient wonder that still exists today.

How did the Great Pyramid of Giza originally appear compared to today?

The Great Pyramid was originally covered in smooth limestone cladding, making it shine brightly. Most of the stones were later looted, but near the top, some remain giving an idea of its original appearance.

What is the significance of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in history?

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a highly ornate tomb built around 350 BC for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire. It gave the term 'mausoleum' to above-ground tombs and was destroyed by earthquakes by the 12th century.

What were the structural features of the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

The lighthouse had three tiers: a large rectangular base, a middle octagonal section, and a circular top. A fire was lit at the top with a bronze mirror to guide ships. It was originally at least 100 meters tall, with some reports claiming 162 meters.

What materials and dimensions were used for the Statue of Zeus at Olympia?

The statue, built around 435 BC by the sculptor Phidias, was made of ivory and gold on a wooden throne. It represented Zeus seated and was located in the most important site of ancient Greek religion.

How many versions of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus existed, and what caused their destruction?

There were three versions of the temple. The first was destroyed by a flood, the second (built in 550 BC) was burned by Herostratus, and the final version lasted about 600 years before being destroyed during a Gothic invasion in 268 CE.

What made the Colossus of Rhodes unique, and how long did it stand?

The Colossus of Rhodes was a 33-meter tall statue of Helios built with iron bars and brass plates. It stood for only 50 years before being destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, and its ruins were later melted down by an Arab army.

Why is the existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon uncertain?

There are no archaeological ruins or Babylonian texts confirming the gardens. References come only from secondhand accounts, and first-person visitors never mentioned them, making their location and existence uncertain.

What ongoing impact has the idea of 'Seven Wonders' had in modern times?

The concept has inspired lists of wonders of engineering, natural sites, and the New Seven Wonders competition. Some proposals to rebuild ancient wonders like the Lighthouse of Alexandria and Colossus of Rhodes exist, but none have been completed.

How did the term 'wonder' evolve from the Greek language?

The Greeks used the term 'theam' for notable sites, which gradually evolved into 'th' and eventually became the word 'wonder' in English.

What role did earthquakes play in the destruction of ancient wonders?

Earthquakes were a major factor in the destruction of several ancient wonders, including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Colossus of Rhodes.