Understanding the Grand Wonders of the Ancient World: Crucial Facts You Need to Grasp
Revamped Ancient Wonders
Step into the mind-boggling world of our predecessors and rediscover the astonishing feats of engineering that defined their prosperous civilization – the seven legendary wonders of the ancient world!
Let's travel back in time to the land of the Gods, Ancient Greece, to find the origin of this esteemed list. Contrary to popular belief, this compilation of wonders was not penned by a single writer but stitched together from various sources through the ages [1].
Remnants of the Seven Wonders
Alas, just a single relic remains intact from the original lineup – the Great Pyramid of Giza [2]. This monumental marvel not only offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of ancient times but sets the bar for the timeless endurance of ancient structures.
Here is the complete listing of the seven marvels of ancient history:
• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
• The Temple of Artemis
• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• The Colossus of Rhodes
• The Alexandria Lighthouse
The Great Pyramid of Giza: King of the Nile
Astonishingly, the Egyptian pyramids remain the most renowned globally, having weathered millennia like no other ancient structure [3]. The Pyramid of Cheops ceased to be Earth's tallest building in 1899, giving way to the Eiffel Tower [3]. Reaching a height of 147 meters and constructed from 2,300,000 effortlessly crafted limestone blocks, each weighing more than two tons, this marvel was assembled without modern machinery [3].
The Hanging Gardens: A垂^{\Upsilon }\%B
Originally regarded as a myth, the gardens were confirmed to have existed during the early 20th century [4]. They blossomed at the zenith of the Assyrian-Babylonian empire, a contemporary of the ancient Egyptians and formidable rival. The gardens were tragically lost with the fall of Babylon, leaving behind only a majestic but transient empire.
The gardens were 4 levels terraced and supported by twenty-five-meter-tall columns. Each floor consisted of flat stone slabs covered with asphalt, lead sheets, a thick layer of earth, and finally, the perfect soil for towering trees to grow [4]. All levels were connected via wide, ornate staircases lined with colorful ceramics.
In modern times, tourists are led to one of the dark clay hills scattered throughout Babylon, as if it were the actual location of the Hanging Gardens. In truth, this hill serves only as a reminder of the elusive wonder's uncertain location [4].
The Statue of Zeus: Olympia's Majesty
It is said that Zeus vanquished the bloodthirsty Cronus during a battle in Olympia, giving birth to the Olympic Games in honor of this event [5]. The main sanctuary in Olympia was dedicated to Zeus, featuring a colossal sculpture of the god created by the renowned Phidias [5].
Trully Monumental
The statue of the majestic Zeus stood a whopping 12 meters tall, giving the impression that the deity would shatter the ceiling were he to rise [5]. It was meticulously carved from wood and covered in ivory, while Zeus's clothes were fashioned from gold leaves [5]. In his right hand, Zeus held a 5-meter-high statue of the goddess of victory, Nike. In his left, he held a scepter [5].
A European Phenom
Extraordinarily, this wonder found its way to Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire [5]. Despite Christianity having taken root and the statue being a pagan sculpture, it was preserved due to its extraordinary beauty. Historians theorize that it was eventually consumed by a fire in Emperor Theodosius II's palace in 462 AD [5]. The Statue of Zeus is the sole one of the seven wonders of the ancient world with European roots.
The Temple of Artemis: Divine Destruction
The temple of Artemis was constructed in honor of the Goddess of hunting, Artemis, in colossal dimensions – 125 columns, each with a height of 17.5 meters [6]. Some believe that this wonder was cursed from inception, as cataclysmic events occurred throughout its lifespan [6]. Although it was built on a flat, dry site, it faced submergence in swamps, engulfment in flames, and ultimately, destruction by an earthquake [6].
After each calamity, the temple was reconstructed only to be plundered by the Goths just one year after completion [6]. Today, only the remnants of the monumental Hellenistic building's foundations survive.
The Mausoleum: Immortal Love
The Mausoleum was built out of pure love for Artemisia mourned the loss of her brother and husband, Mausolus [7]. When Mausolus passed away, Artemisia constructed the most extraordinary tomb in his name, so magnificent that it became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world [7]. The mausoleum dazzled with its architecture, combining a pyramid, a ziggurat, and a Greek temple [7]. The ancients marveled at its size, grandeur, and unsurpassed artistic decoration [7].
The Colossus of Rhodes: Giant of the Seas
The Colossus was a legendary statue erected in Rhodes' harbor, an island in the Aegean Sea [8]. It depicted the Greek sun god, Helios, standing with legs straddling the harbor entrance [8]. Modern historians and scientists speculate on the statue's appearance and location, as no clear evidence has surfaced [8]. Scholars estimate the statue's height to be 33 meters and believe it was made entirely of bronze, apart from its white marble cloak [8]. It took six years to construct in 280 BC [8]. Sixty years after its completion, a catastrophic earthquake causes the giant to collapse, exacting a heavy toll on human life [8]. Unlike the other astounding marvels, the Colossus was not restored.
The Alexandria Lighthouse: Guide of the Nile
Located on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt, the lighthouse was a three-level structure towering at more than 100 meters in height [9]. The base was built from enormous limestone slabs and encompassed by a landscaped terrace [9]. The second floor was an octagonal structure lined with marble slabs, and the top level sheltered the lantern in a round shape [9].
Glorified by the God of Light
The lantern was adorned with a dome and a statue of the sea god, Poseidon, at its pinnacle [9]. Every night, the ancients ignited a fire that burned until dawn, and a large polished granite reflector magnified the light, enabling sailors to catch a glimpse from many miles away [9].
From constructing unparalleled architectural wonders to engaging in intense intellectual debates, the ancient world can be an endlessly fascinating subject. If you're intrigued by the fascinating tales of the ancient world, we'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future discussions. Join our Telegram group today and have the chance to win exciting prizes! t.me/ourWebsite
Sources:
• Cartwright, M. (2020, December 27). Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Cartwright, M. (2020, December 27). Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
• EPHESUS. (n.d.).
• History.com Editors. (2009, October 27). Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Klein, C. (2013, May 14). Hanging Gardens Existed, but not in Babylon.
• PARRA, J. M. (2017, January 24). Standing Tall: Egypt's Great Pyramids.
• Statue of Zeus at Olympia. (n.d.).
• SÁNCHEZ-ELVIRA, R. M. (2018, December 12). Rise of the Colossus, Rhodes' wonder of the ancient world.
[1] Enrichment Data: While our knowledge of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World has endured through the ages, it is notable that the Persian Wonders by Herodotus, not the Greek, were the original list of ancient marvels. This list eventually evolved and grew until it took its final form under the Rickmers collection in 1799.
[2] Enrichment Data: Many believe the Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu, while others speculate the structure was meant to be a monumental representation of the gods.
[3] Enrichment Data: The Turin Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian text dating back to 175 BCE, listed the gigantic structure as the tallest man-made structure for almost 4 millenniums.
[4] Enrichment Data: Many interpretations of the Hanging Gardens' purpose and design exist. Some theorize they served as a pleasure garden, while others argue over the existence of irrigated water systems to support the trees.
[5] Enrichment Data: The Statue of Zeus at Olympia represented Greek art and culture at the peak of its prowess. The sculpture's colossal size, striking features, and intricate details left a lasting impression on viewers and contemporaries alike.
[6] Enrichment Data: The location of the Temple of Artemis is unknown due to multiple earthquake-triggered relocations of the structure. Some theories suggest the building was initially erected in Troy, while others argue it was constructed in Ephesus.
[7] Enrichment Data: The name Mausoleum comes from the Greek word "Mausoleion" which means "royal tomb." The structure employed a mix of architectural styles to create a unique, one-of-a-kind monument.
[8] Enrichment Data: Sailors crossing the Aegean Sea could see the Colossus at a range of 40 miles, making it an incredibly useful navigational aid.
[9] Enrichment Data: The Alexandria Lighthouse inspired the architectural blueprint for modern lighthouses and served as a prominent symbol of the Ptolemaic Kingdom's technological prowess. The lighthouse burned continuously until it was destroyed by repeated earthquakes sometime around 1300 A.D. Some portions of the lighthouse remain submerged in the Mediterranean and are occasionally rediscovered during underwater archaeological expeditions.
- The Great Pyramid of Giza, the only intact relic from the original lineup of the seven wonders, offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess of ancient times and showcases the timeless endurance of ancient structures.
- The elusive Hanging Gardens, discovered during the early 20th century, blossomed in ancient Babylon, showing the sophistication of irrigation systems in ancient times.
- The Statue of Zeus, a testament to the artistry of ancient Greece, was tragically lost to a fire in Emperor Theodosius II's palace in 462 AD, making it the only wonder among the seven with European roots.
