The New Seven Wonders of the World
The idea of the “Seven Wonders of the World” began in ancient times. number seven was chosen because, in many cultures, seven was seen as special or magical, symbolizing perfection or completeness.The original Seven Wonders were chosen by ancient Greek scholars who listed amazing structures they believed everyone should see. However, most of these wonders don't exist anymore. On July 7th 2007, people around the world voted on a new set of wonders, called the New Seven Wonders of the World, to celebrate incredible landmarks we can still visit today. This new list helps us appreciate and protect important historical places worldwide.
The New Seven Wonders
Written by: Sitara Nair
#1 The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is known as one of the longest man made structures ever, at 5,500 miles long. The structure began being built in the 7th century BCE, and took two millennia to be completed. There are a variety of reasons modern day historians think the wall was built. The first and more widely accepted is that it was to help prevent invasions, and keep the Chinese people safe, despite it not being all that affective. Due to the little effectiveness, historians began believing that it was built as a form of political propaganda. Beyond its immediate strategic and political roles, the Great Wall played an important part in controlling migration and trade along the empire's borders. It helped regulate the movement of people and goods, thereby stabilizing the economy and maintaining social order within the vast territories of ancient China.Today, the Great Wall of China is not only an impressive feat of ancient engineering but also a strong cultural symbol that reflects the enduring spirit of the Chinese people.
#2 Chichén Itzá
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, the Chichén Itzá is a beautiful and strong structure deep in the jungles. It thrived in the 9th and 10th centuries CE, and is home to historical art and Mayan culture. The structure gets around 2 million visitors annually because of its rich architecture. The structure has a total of 365 steps, which is a reference to the 365 days in a solar year. When most people visit or think of this wonder, we picture the pyramid in the picture (El Castillo,) , however it’s more than that. The wonder is an entire abandoned city, making it so rich in Mayan culture. The ancient city also includes a large ball court where the Maya played a traditional game, as well as other temples and observatories that highlight their advanced knowledge of astronomy. For example, during the equinox, the sunlight creates shadows on the pyramid that look like a serpent descending its steps. Overall, the city serves as a reminder of the Mayan’s incredible knowledge.
#4 Machu Picchu
Machu Pichu is an Incan site, located near Cuzco, Peru. The site is nestled in the Andes Mountains, between two peaks (as you can see in the picture). Because of its hidden nature, it took hundreds of years for European and American explorers to find it, but eventually it was discovered in 1911. Millions of people globally travel to Machu Picchu yearly, and that’s not solely because of the structures themselves, it’s also because of the surrounding Andes mountains. It’s flourishing flora and fauna make the place so attractive for tourists, and that’s just an added bonus to the rich architecture and artistic history there. The Sun Gate and Temple of the Sun are considered two of the greatest relics in history, and they are closely safeguarded when these tourists arrive.
Machu Picchu is not just a collection of old ruins; it is a symbol of the Inca civilization's ingenuity and connection to nature. The combination of its rich history, beautiful architecture, and the surrounding Andes mountains makes it a treasured site that continues to captivate and inspire visitors of all ages.
#3 Petra
Petra is an ancient city located in Jordan, surrounded by sandstone and other mountainous terrain. It’s nickname Rose City comes from the red sandstone look it has, attracting 900,000 visitors yearly. The city was a part of a major trade route at one point, bustling with people. It has been reinhabited, invaded, and surrounded multiple times, but it is still standing strong today thanks to the intelligent architects of the time. Regarding it’s trading history, Petra was known for being the spot to trade one of the most in-demand things at the time, spices. Rediscovered by the Western world in the early 19th century, Petra now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the resilience and creativity of its builders. Its blend of natural beauty and historical significance continues to captivate modern visitors, offering a glimpse into an ancient civilization that mastered both art and engineering!!!
#5 Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a giant statue of Jesus Christ that stands atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Built between 1922 and 1931, this impressive landmark is nearly 30 meters tall and made of reinforced concrete covered with smooth soapstone. Its outstretched arms seem to embrace the entire city, making it a standout symbol of the region.
Not only is it a marvel of engineering and art, but Christ the Redeemer also represents peace, love, and hope. Every year, millions of visitors come to admire its beauty and enjoy the breathtaking views of Rio’s beaches, ocean, and vibrant city below. This iconic monument continues to inspire people from all over the world.
#6 Colosseum
The Colosseum is a huge, old building in the middle of Rome, Italy. Almost 2,000 years ago, the ancient Romans built it as a giant arena where gladiators fought and wild animals were shown to cheering crowds. It was like a big outdoor sports stadium where people gathered to watch exciting shows.The building is made of stone and has many arches and open spaces, making it look very grand and strong. Even though it’s very old and has been partly worn away by time, the Colosseum still stands as a symbol of the impressive skills and creativity of the Roman builders.Today, people from all over the world visit the Colosseum to learn about its history and to imagine how life was in ancient Rome. Walking through its old passageways and looking at the vast arena, visitors can picture the exciting events that once took place there. The Colosseum reminds us of the amazing things people can build when they work hard and use their creativity.
#7 Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a very beautiful building in India that looks almost like a palace made of shining white marble. It was built a long time ago by a king named Shah Jahan to show how much he loved his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The king wanted to create a special place that would keep her memory alive forever, so he made a grand, peaceful monument that many people still admire today.
The building is famous for its amazing designs. It has lots of pretty details on the walls, and when the sunlight falls on it, the marble can look different shades throughout the day. The Taj Mahal is surrounded by lovely gardens that are carefully planned, with neat rows of trees and colorful flowers. These gardens help make the whole place feel calm and special.
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