The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have long been regarded as some of the most incredible architectural feats in human history. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, they have been celebrated and studied for centuries. Today, some of these wonders are still standing, while others have been lost to time. In this article, we will take a look at which of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are still standing today.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the oldest and most famous of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was built around 2560 BC for the Pharaoh Khufu and is the only one of the Seven Wonders still standing today. This massive structure is made up of over two million blocks of limestone and granite and stands at an astonishing 455 feet high. It is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians and continues to draw tourists from all over the world.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC in what is now modern-day Iraq. This incredible feat of engineering was said to be an oasis in the desert, with lush gardens and exotic plants. Unfortunately, the gardens have been lost to time and no trace of them remains today.
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was built in the 6th century BC and dedicated to the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility. This magnificent temple was one of the largest and most impressive buildings of the ancient world. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 356 BC and all that remains today are a few scattered columns.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built in the 4th century BC as a tomb for the Persian ruler Mausolus. It was an impressive structure, made up of enormous white marble columns and topped with a grand sculpture of Mausolus and his wife. Unfortunately, the mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes in the 15th century and only a few fragments of its ruins remain.
The Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive statue of the Greek god Helios that was built in the 3rd century BC. It was so large that it was said to have straddled the harbor of the island of Rhodes. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century BC and only a few fragments remain today.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a 13-meter-tall sculpture of the Greek god Zeus. It was built in the 5th century BC and was said to be one of the most impressive sculptures of its time. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed in the 5th century AD and only a few fragments remain today.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built in the 3rd century BC and was one of the tallest structures in the world. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century and only a few ruins remain today.
While many of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have been lost to time, the Great Pyramid of Giza still stands as a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Its impressive size and design make it one of the most iconic monuments in the world and a must-see for any traveler.
