Throughout history, man has pursued greatness in creating astonishing monuments that stand the test of time. Despite the march to modern civilization, these structures are a testament to human creativity and ambition. We often refer to them as the wonders of the world because they fill us with awe. More importantly, they remind us of man’s limitless capabilities.
This world’s wonders are endless, from ancient masterpieces to modern feats that push the boundaries of engineering. Yet, everyone can attest to their greatness and are in every continent today. In this article, we’ll discuss the natural and man-made wonders of the world and provide essential details about them. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
What Are the Wonders of the World?
Whether ancient or modern, natural or man-made, the wonders of the world truly captivate our imaginations. They further remind us of humans’ boundless potential for creativity and imagination. But what are they? They simply refer to a collection of extraordinary monuments transcending time, culture, and geography. These wonders feature a range of exceptional structures, from natural to artificial, and have captured people’s imagination across generations. As we explore these creations, their designs ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity.
How Many Wonders of the World Are There?
Adventures and tourists often ask, “How many wonders of the world are there?” While we may have an answer in our minds, it isn’t really that simple. Why? Throughout human history, there are many lists of world wonders, each highlighting different monuments.
Firstly, there are “Seven Wonders of the ancient world.” These are jaw-dropping monuments from way back, which include the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. We’ll discover more about this list later in this guide.
Another list is named the “Seven Wonders of the modern world.” These monuments are more recent marvels of human skills. Some of them include the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. We’ll also dive deeper into them later in this article.
Another incredible list is the “Natural wonders of the world.” This list features breathtaking natural monuments like the Grand Canyon, the Great Wonders of Babylon, and more. Many other lists exist, but the amazing thing is that they make us keep discovering more truly captivating monuments.
As you become a spirited adventurer, you can even curate your lists and showcase them to the world. So, to answer the question earlier asked, it depends on which list you are looking at. Regardless of how you count them, our planet is bustling with numerous wonders ready for discovery and worthy of admiration.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Now that we know the many lists of the wonders of the world, it is time to explore ancient monuments. In the ancient era, seven unique monuments are impressive feats of human creativity, ambition, and craftmanship. These architectural marvels continue to captivate us today and have stood the test of time. The seven wonders of the ancient world include the following:
Ancient Wonder #1: The Great Pyramid of Giza
Nestled on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, the Great Pyramid is a remarkable architectural and engineering prowess feat. It was constructed over 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in Egypt. This great pyramid is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex.
Its construction’s sheer scale and precision continue to baffle modern archaeologists and historians. There is a continued debate on which ancient Egyptians’ methods moved and positioned the massive limestone blocks. Remarkably, out of all the wonders of the world, the Great Pyramid exists to date.
Ancient Wonder #2: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The hanging gardens of Babylon is another marvelous ancient wonder. This monument lies in the heart of the ancient city of Babylon (present-day Iraq). Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife, it served as a testament to human innovation in horticulture and engineering. This monument’s concept captures people’s imagination across centuries, symbolizing man’s ability to shape and beautify the natural world.
Ancient Wonder #3: The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
In ancient Greece, Olympia housed one of the wonders of the world: the Statue of Zeus. Crafted by the renowned sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, it depicted the king of the gods seated on his throne. Made of gold and ivory, the statue captured the physical magnificence of Zeus and the artistic achievements of ancient Greece.
Ancient Wonder #4: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Next on the list is the Temple of Artemis. This temple at Ephesus (present-day Turkey) was monumental, standing as a testament to religious devotion and architectural innovation. Despite repeated destruction by fire and war, the temple featured grand columns and awe-inspiring sculptures. Its grandeur and significance made it a focal point of pilgrimage for centuries until its final destruction in 401 CE.
Ancient Wonder #5: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The mausoleum at Halicarnassus (present-day Turkey) is one wonder that departed from traditional tomb architecture. Queen Artemisia of Caria commissioned this building to honor her late husband, Mausolus. Completed around 353 BCE, the mausoleum was a harmonious blend of Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian architectural styles. Standing over 130 feet, the mausoleum was a masterpiece of ancient funerary art.
Ancient Wonder #6: The Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes is a bronze statue dedicated to the sun god Helios. It was believed that Helios guarded the island of Rhodes in ancient Greece. Erected around 280 BCE, the statue was a marvel of ancient bronze casting, reaching approximately 100 feet high. This monument embodies the spirit of victory and resilience, cementing its place as one of the ancient wonders of the world.
Ancient Wonder #7: The Lighthouse of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, aka Pharos of Alexandria, concludes the list of the ancient wonders of the world. It was a remarkable architectural feat, guiding sailors to the city of Alexandria. Completed around 280 BCE, the lighthouse stood over 330 feet tall. It also featured a large open flame at its summit to guide ships at night.
The Seven Wonders of the Modern World
While we give the past its flowers, the present era also boasts its magnificence, indicating human innovation and perseverance. These are the seven wonders of the modern world. They tell a story of humans’ drive for ambition and legacy as they push the boundaries of engineering, design, and creativity. Let’s discover the modern wonders of the world.
Modern Wonder #1: The Great Wall of China
Spanning thousands of miles, the Great Wall of China is a monumental feat of modern defensive architecture. It serves as a reminder of human dedication and unity as generations worked together to protect their land and heritage.
Modern Wonder #2: Petra, The Rose City
Carved into the rock of Jordan’s mountains, Petra showcases the ingenuity of the ancient Nabateans. Its intricate architecture and unique setting highlight the harmonious blend of human craftsmanship and natural beauty.
Modern Wonder #3: Christ the Redeemer
Overlooking Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue symbolizes faith, unity, and human creativity. Its outstretched arms welcome visitors and offer breathtaking views of the vibrant city below.
Modern Wonder #4: Chichen Itza
Deep in the jungles of Mexico, Chichen Itza’s pyramid is a testament to the advanced knowledge of the Maya civilization. Its precise alignment with celestial events showcases its profound understanding of astronomy.
Modern Wonder #5: The Roman Colosseum
A monumental arena where gladiators once fought, the Roman Colosseum stands as a symbol of ancient Rome’s grandeur. Its innovative design and history of spectacular performances capture the essence of a bygone era.
Modern Wonder #6: Taj Mahal
In India, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of symmetry and devotion. Its intricate architecture and stunning gardens make it one of the most recognized modern wonders of the world.
Modern Wonder #7: Machu Picchu
Nestled in the Andes, Machu Picchu’s architectural harmony and celestial alignment reflect the Incas’ deep reverence for the cosmos. Its rediscovery in 1911 brought global attention to this hidden wonder.
Exploring the Natural Wonders of the World
As we marvel at the man-made wonders of the world, let’s not forget that Mother Nature is a master artist. Not one artificial monument can compare with nature’s unparalleled artistry skills. The world is brimming with awe-inspiring landscapes that showcase nature’s remarkable craftsmanship. These are the five natural wonders of the world, attesting to the earth’s astonishing power and beauty. Let’s explore some of nature’s finest creations.
Natural Wonder #1: The Grand Canyon
A colossal chasm in the heart of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is a masterpiece of time and erosion. Layers of rock reveal millions of years of geological history. Fascinatingly, travelers and tourists take a brief detour from the iconic Route 66 to explore the Grand Canyon’s vastness.
Natural Wonder #2: The Great Barrier Reef
Beneath the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea lies the Great Barrier Reef, a living kaleidoscope of marine life. This intricate coral ecosystem stretches over 1,400 miles, offering a breathtaking underwater world that embraces biodiversity.
Natural Wonder #3: Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest peak on earth, reaching 8,850m (29,000 ft). Its majestic presence continues to attract adventurers and mountaineers to test their limits. With numerous attempts to climb this mountain, it reminds us of the incredible forces that shape our planet’s landscape.
Natural Wonder #4: Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, aka “Smoke that Thunders,” lies in South Africa. This colossal curtain of water plunges into the Zambezi River, reflecting the sheer power of nature’s forces.
Natural Wonder #5: Parícutin Volcano
Emerging unexpectedly from a farmer’s field in Mexico, Parícutin Volcano is a testament to our planet’s dynamic nature. The growth of this world’s youngest volcano from the ground up is a rare spectacle to behold.
Map The Wonders of The World With Mapize
Discovering the wonders of the world reminds us of the incredible historical achievements of man. These wonders symbolize our capacity to dream, create, and leave a mark in time. But what if we could take this exploration to a whole new level? What if we could map these wonders of the world and experience their magnificence in a new way?
This is precisely where Mapize steps in. Mapize is a mapping platform that brings these wonders to life, virtually connecting us to these monuments like never before. This platform lets users create interactive custom maps for their personal or corporate needs. Sign up with Mapize today and create your first custom maps for free.
