Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - 3D DOCUMENTARY

Summary

This video explores the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, delving into their history, mystery, and eventual destruction. From the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the enduring Great Pyramid of Giza, the script covers the rise and fall of these magnificent structures. It highlights their cultural significance, the architectural feats they represented, and the various theories about their locations and purposes. With a nod to Paradox's 'Imperator: Rome' update, the video ties ancient wonders to the game, inviting viewers to explore these marvels in a historical context and through immersive gameplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many ancient architectural and cultural wonders have been lost to time, destroyed by both natural and human forces.
• 😀 The 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World' are prime examples of lost beauty that have captivated the imagination for centuries.
• 😀 Paradox's game 'Imperator Rome' is sponsoring the video, and the latest update, 'Marius', is a major overhaul of the game.
• 😀 The 'Heirs of Alexander' content pack introduces new features focusing on the Successor Kingdoms of Alexander the Great, including mission trees, deities, music, and a Wonder Designer.
• 😀 The Hanging Gardens of Babylon's existence is debated, with some historians proposing they were in Nineveh rather than Babylon, built by King Sennacherib.
• 😀 The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, created by the sculptor Pheidias, was a monumental work of art that stood for nearly 1,000 years before being destroyed in 462 AD.
• 😀 The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, described as a magnificent structure, was destroyed multiple times, including by fire and raiders, before it was ultimately leveled by St. John Chrysostom in 402 AD.
• 😀 Mausolus' tomb, known as the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, was a grand structure featuring a fusion of Hellenic, Persian, and Egyptian architecture, but it was later destroyed and used for building materials by the Crusaders.
• 😀 The Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue of the sun god Helios, was built after Rhodes' victory in the Siege of Rhodes and stood for around 50 years before being destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC.
• 😀 The Pharos Lighthouse in Alexandria, one of the tallest structures of the ancient world, was damaged over time and ultimately collapsed due to earthquakes by the 14th century, leaving only ruins.

Q & A

What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and why are they significant?

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are extraordinary constructions from ancient civilizations, often described as architectural and cultural masterpieces. These wonders, such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Great Pyramid of Giza, captivated imaginations for centuries due to their grandeur and the mystery surrounding their construction and destruction.

What role does Paradox Interactive play in the video about the Seven Wonders?

Paradox Interactive is the sponsor of the video, promoting its game 'Imperator: Rome' and a new free update called 'Marius.' The video encourages viewers to try the game and its content pack, 'Heirs of Alexander,' which adds features inspired by the ancient world, including a Wonder designer allowing players to create their own world wonders.

What is the legend behind the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are often associated with the story of King Nebuchadnezzar II building them to alleviate the homesickness of his wife, Amytis of Media. However, historians consider this tale more of a legend, with no direct archaeological evidence of such gardens in Babylon itself. Some scholars suggest they might have been in Nineveh, not Babylon.

Who is the artist behind the statue of Zeus at Olympia, and what is its significance?

The statue of Zeus at Olympia was created by the Athenian sculptor Pheidias. Standing 42 feet tall, it depicted Zeus seated on a throne, holding an image of Nike in one hand and a sceptre in the other. The statue became one of the ancient world’s greatest artistic achievements but was eventually destroyed in a fire.

What is the historical importance of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus?

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the largest and most magnificent temples of the ancient world. Built in the 6th century BC, it featured 127 towering columns and served as a religious center. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, it became a symbol of Greek and Persian artistic and architectural brilliance.

What was the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and why is it famous?

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a grand tomb built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap, and his wife Artemisia. Combining Greek, Persian, and Egyptian architectural styles, the tomb became one of the Seven Wonders due to its sheer size and intricate artistry. It remained standing for over a thousand years before being damaged by an earthquake and later dismantled by crusaders.

How did the Colossus of Rhodes meet its end?

The Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue of the sun god Helios, stood for only 56 years before being destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC. Despite offers for restoration, the statue was never rebuilt, and the remains were eventually plundered by Arab forces in 654 AD.

What was the purpose of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and what happened to it?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the tallest structures of the ancient world, served as both a practical beacon for sailors and an artistic marvel. It stood for centuries but was eventually damaged by earthquakes, with its ruins being described by the Arab traveler Ibn Battuta in 1349 as being in a state of disrepair.

What makes the Great Pyramid of Giza unique among the Seven Wonders?

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders still standing today. It is an ancient tomb built for Pharaoh Khufu and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. The pyramid's alignment and construction techniques remain impressive, even with modern understanding.

How did Alexander the Great contribute to the creation of Alexandria and the Lighthouse?

Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria in 332 BC after annexing Egypt. His vision for the city included the construction of the famous Lighthouse, a monumental structure designed to aid sailors, which became one of the Seven Wonders. The city was designed by the architect Dinocrates and was built with the assistance of wealthy Ptolemaic patrons.