The first known list of 7 Wonders of the Ancient World traces all the way back to the 1st-2nd century BC.
I’ve always been interested in the world’s history. I think it’s important for humans to be interested in and continue to be curious about our past because it shapes our present and the world we live in today.
The seven ancient wonders are the focus of today’s history lesson. These wonders are called ancient for a reason, as they as they belong to a time long gone.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are among the seven wonders that date back to various B.C.E. and A.D. periods.
Strikingly, just the Incomparable Pyramid of Giza among every one of the ancient wonders, still stands tall today. The others have long been destroyed or annihilated.
follow us along as we dive into it:
The Temple of Artemis
Location: Turkey
The Temple of Artemis was built around 550 B.C.E., was an enormous safe-haven dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It was in the located in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey.
This temple was one of the largest ever constructed and showcased impressive architecture. It was supported by large columns and featured beautiful marble wall carvings.
Inside the temple was a great sculpture of Artemis, believed to bring fertility and security. Artemis was worshipped and people from all over the world would come to see its beauty.
Hanging Gardens of Babylons
Location: Iraq
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which are believed to have been constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 B.C.E., skills of ancient Mesopotamia in both construction and gardening.
These gardens, which are situated in the city of Babylon, which is now called Iraq, has the resembled of a stunning mountain of plants.
The Hanging Gardens, according to legend, served as a symbol for King Nebuchadnezzar II’s love for his queen and his aspiration to establish a paradise on Earth. According to rumor, the gardens were constructed to comfort Queen Amytis, who was missing the lush green landscapes of her home country.
The terraces of the gardens displayed a stunning array of plants, including fragrant herbs, fruit trees, and flowers. The utilization of water channels and instruments guaranteed a consistent water supply, which helped the plants develop and flourish.
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The Hanging Gardens are unique among the seven ancient wonders because their precise location is still a mystery.
Colossus of Rhodes
Location: Rhodes, Greece
The Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic bronze sculpture situated at the entry of the harbor in the Greek city of Rhodes. It represented the sun-god Helios and was built in 280 B.C.E. as an symbol of triumph and resilience, commemorating the city’s effective defence against an attacking armed force.
One of the tallest statues of its time, the statue stood about 108 feet tall, according to ancient accounts.
The statue portrayed Helios with his arms outstretched, holding a torch to help guide ships into the harbour. Unfortunately, the statue collapsed and was destroyed in 226 B.C.E. by an earthquake.
The great pyramid of Giza
Location: Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza, created around 2560 B.C.E., remains as the as the oldest and largest of the seven wonders. This large pyramid served as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu and demonstrated the architectural prowess of ancient Egypt.
It is estimated to be approximately 4600 years old and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
Statue of Zeus in Olympia
Location: Olympia, Greece
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, constructed around 435 B.C.E. by the well known sculptor Phidias, was a tremendous sculpture made of ivory and gold. It remained inside the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. The sculpture was gigantic, estimating around 41 feet (12.4 meters) tall. It showed Zeus, the king of the gods, sitting on a grand throne.
The stone carver paid great attention to detail, cautiously creating Zeus’ calm facial expression, flowing robes, and strong muscles. The throne itself was exquisitely carved with stories from Greek mythology and symbols of power.
The ancient writings and images on coins give us an idea of how magnificent the statue must have been, despite the fact that it has been lost to time.
Its noteworthy size and exquisite details made it an amazing sight.
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Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a huge tomb built to honor Mausolus, a local ruler, and his sister Artemisia II. It was built between 353 and 350 B.C.E. in Halicarnassus.
This impressive structure showcased a blend of Greek and Anatolian styles. It was designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythius.
It had complex designs, beautiful sculptures, and tall segments, an architectural accomplishment of the time.
The tomb was at last destroyed.
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Lighthouse of Alexandria
Pharos of Alexandria, also known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, was a tall beacon that was built in ancient Egypt under Ptolemy II Philadelphus reign. It stood on the island of Pharos and aided guide ships entering the busy port of Alexandria.
This lighthouse was admired for its engineering and design, making it one of the tallest structures of its time.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was made of white marble and had a square base that narrowed as it went up to form an elegant tower with eight sides. A fire or mirror that gave off a lot of light was at the top. This light acted as a sign to assist ships with tracking down their direction to the port of Alexandria, even from a distance.
The height and location of the lighthouse were crucial for ensuring that ships could reach the harbor safely.
