The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the ancient Wonders of the World. Located in Egypt, it was built around 2560 BC as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu. Constructed from over 2.3 million limestone blocks, it stands at an impressive height of 455 feet. The pyramid is the only one of the original Wonders of the World that still stands today.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, located in modern day Iraq, were built for the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC. The gardens were comprised of several terraced gardens with lush greenery. According to ancient texts, the gardens were irrigated by water drawn from the Euphrates River and suspended from the walls of the gardens, which gave them their unique “hanging” appearance.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Statue of Zeus was located in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. Completed around 435 BC, the statue depicted the Greek god Zeus and was sculpted by the famous artist Phidias. The Statue of Zeus was made of ivory and gold and rose up to a height of about 12 meters. It was destroyed by a fire in the 5th century AD.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was built in modern day Turkey around 550 BC. The temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis and was one of the largest in the ancient world. The temple was constructed from marble and was adorned with sculptures, columns, and statues. It was destroyed by a fire in 356 BC.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built around 350 BC in modern day Turkey. It was constructed as a tomb for the Persian King Mausolus and was designed by the famous Greek architects Satyros and Pytheos. The mausoleum was constructed from marble and was adorned with ornate sculptures and reliefs. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century AD.
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge bronze statue of the Greek sun-god Helios. It was built by the Greek sculptor Chares of Lindos around 280 BC and stood at a height of about 33 meters. The Colossus of Rhodes was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a tall tower located on the island of Pharos in Egypt. It was built around 280 BC and served as a beacon to guide ships into the city’s harbor. The lighthouse was constructed from stone and was adorned with a fire-burning beacon at the top. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century AD.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan around 1632 AD in memory of his late wife. The Taj Mahal is an iconic structure, constructed from white marble and adorned with intricate carvings and inlays of precious stones. It remains standing today as one of the greatest Wonders of the World.
The eight Wonders of the World are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient world. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Taj Mahal, these iconic structures have stood the test of time and continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the beauty of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, these Wonders of the World remain some of the most impressive structures ever created.
