Wonders of The World
The World is full of wonders. Here we have listed the top seven Wonders of the World. Some of these wonders are beyond our imagination. These beautiful and majestic wonders are examples of our ancestors’ talent. In 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World. The following list of seven winners is presented without ranking, and aims to represent global heritage.
Wonders of The World
Great Wall of China (China)
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making it the world’s longest man-made structure.
Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build – much of the money was raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.
The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
Rome’s, if not Italy’s, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.
Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white marble structure actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. The Taj Mahal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.
Petra (Jordan)
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.
Facts about Wonders of the World
- Great Wall of China : It took several empires over 2000 years to complete the wall, which involved building and rebuilding it.
- Petra : The rock into which the city is carved is pink in color, giving the place its nickname, Rose City.
- Christ the Redeemer Statue : The statue was destroyed partly when lightning struck it during a major thunderstorm in 2008. The authorities restored it soon after.
- Machu Picchu : It is one of the top 100 endangered places and is under threat of destruction by civilization (mostly tourists!) and earthquakes.
- Chichen Itza : Chichen Itza translated to English is “at the mouth of the well of the Itza”.
- The Roman Colosseum : A massive fire in 207 AD destroyed the top levels of the structure, which were never repaired. An earthquake further damaged the structure. 60,000 slaves built the massive complex in just nine years! It had four-storied arcades.
- Taj Mahal : Because of its pure white color, the structure changes color based on the lighting during that specific part of the day. It has been known to assume natural colors such as pink, blue, orange, and yellow during different times of the day.It took the emperor over 20 years and 20,000 artisans to complete the construction.
Know more GK Topics with DayTodayGK : Click Here
