The Seven Wonders of the World

Everyone has heard the seven wonders mentioned at one time or other, but, do you really know what they are? If not, don't be too worried as there are a few variations among the various lists...

How many of the wonders can you list? Well, here they are... in chronological order

1- Great Pyramid (of Giza, Cheops)

    The tallest structure in the world until the 19th century. The pyramid is the oldest of all the wonders and is still standing after all this time...

2- Hanging Gardens of Babylon

    Quite a bit of debate about whether it ever existed (at least in the form described), however, it seems certain that the Babylonyians had quite a few things to be proud of, even without this one...

3- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

    There were actually a number of temples built one after the other. This wonder is said to have been the most beatiful one.

4- Statue of Zeus at Olympia

    Huge statue with gold and ivory... In a building barely large enough to hold it... Located at the site of the ancient Olympics.

5- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Bodrum)

    The wife of King Mausol built him such a tremendous tomb that all monumental tombs built after it use his name!

6- Colossus of Rhodes

    Good idea but the statue only stood upright for 56 years... However, the statue lived on by inspiring later statues that are even more famous! (e.g. Statue of Liberty) It was originally believed that the statue straddled the entrance to the harbour (as in the first two pictures), however, it is much more likely that it actually was much closer to shore and stood upright (as in the last picture).

7- Pharos Lighthouse (Alexandria)

    The only wonder with a practical use was the Pharos Lighthouse. During the night, fire was used to lead the ships, however, during the day a mirror was used to reflect sunlight. The mirror is said to have been a marvel of the technology of the time.

    Of these, the only one still standing is the Great Pyramid. All of the others have disappeared in part or totally. The Colossus only stood for about 56 years, while others like the hanging Gardens may not even have existed...

Take a look at where these wonders were situated:

Here are some links to several sites with great information about the seven wonders:

 

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Destination The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The UnMuseum - Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the World bought to you by the Cleveleys Website

NOVA Online Treasures of the Sunken City Seven Wonders

Here is a list of some wonders which some people argue should have been included:

put together by ATJ