7 Wonders of the World: A Tour Through History

 The world is filled with spectacular architectural masterpieces, yet not all have the same historical significance associated with them. There are some that have stood the test of time, surviving for millennia and making their way to the modern world, earning them the title of the ‘7 Wonders of the World.’.

“The Seven Wonders of the World” is a phrase that has been etched in our history books for decades and has captured the imagination of people all around the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable vacation spot, these destinations are a must-visit.

From the mysterious Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, these Seven Wonders offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the past. Not only are they architectural marvels, but they also provide an opportunity for self-discovery and cultural immersion. 

For those who appreciate art, architecture, and history, these ancient sites offer a chance to see some of the most remarkable examples of human ingenuity and creativity. They stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of human civilization and are a source of inspiration for future generations. 

Graana.com has compiled a detailed list of the 7 Wonders of the World below, along with their locations.

 

List of 7 Wonders of the World

Here is the list of 7 wonders of the world.

Wonder Name	City	Country
Great Pyramids of Giza	Giza	Egypt
The Colosseum	Rome	Italy
Machu Picchu	Cuzco Region	Peru
The Great Wall of China	Beijing	China
Christ The Redeemer	Rio de Janeiro	Brazil
Chichén Itzá	Elcastillo	Mexico
Taj Mahal	Agra	India

Great Pyramids of Giza – Egypt

 

 

The Great Pyramids of Giza, built in 2570 B.C., are a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. Many believe that it took around 20 years and a workforce of 100,000 to complete the pyramid. It served as the tomb of the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Khufu. This pyramid is part of a complex that also includes temples and other pyramids.

The pyramid’s exterior was originally covered in highly polished white limestone, but these stones were removed over 600 years ago following an earthquake. Some believe that the pyramid was so large and reflective that it was visible from the moon when these casing stones were in place.

While the purpose and methods used to construct the pyramid remain a subject of speculation and debate, what is known is the impressive precision of its construction.

The four sides of the base are over 700 feet long and differ by no more than 8 inches. Additionally, the pyramid’s sides align almost perfectly with the four cardinal points of the compass, and the pyramid’s dimensions conform to a ratio of 2π(pi) with near-perfect accuracy.

The Colosseum – Italy

 

 

The Colosseum, an enduring symbol of ancient Rome, has long inspired awe and fascination. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, it was completed under his successor, Titus, in 80 AD. The true size of the amphitheatre is striking, measuring 620 by 513 feet.

Its complex network of vaults is a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Romans, capable of holding an audience of up to 50,000 people.

The Colosseum was not only used for gladiator battles, but also for mock naval engagements, with water being pumped into the arena, and for animal fights.

Despite the damage caused by stone thieves and earthquakes over the centuries, the Colosseum remains one of the most celebrated and iconic buildings in the world.

Machu Picchu – Peru

 

 

The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is a renowned archaeological site located in present-day Peru. Situated on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba River valley, the city was built in the 15th century. It was designated as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Although constructed in the year 1450, it was abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest. The location was kept secret by the Incas and was not rediscovered for almost four centuries until 1911, making it one of the most well-known tourist destinations in South America.

Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing in an estimated half a million visitors annually.

 

The Great Wall of China-China

 

 

The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world, spanning over 5,000 miles. Construction on the wall began in the 7th century BC and continued for two millennia. The concept of the Great Wall was first introduced during the reign of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang Di. Still, various emperors expanded and maintained it throughout history.

During the Qin Dynasty, the first emperor ordered thousands of soldiers to build a wall that would stretch across China. After the fall of the Qin dynasty, it was the Northern Wei dynasty restored and expanded to guard against attacks from other tribes. Throughout history, many kingdoms and dynasties helped repair and complete this monumental structure.

There are various theories about why the Great Wall was built, with some claiming it was built to protect against attacks by nomadic tribes from the north.

However, academics argue that the wall served more as political propaganda. There is a belief that the Great Wall of China is the only human-made structure visible from space, due to its impressive size

Christ The Redeemer – Brazil

 

 

The statue of Christ the Redeemer, located on top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a world-renowned landmark. It is the youngest of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

The idea for a Christian statue on top of Mount Corcovado was first proposed in the 1850s to honour Princess Isabel, but it was initially rejected.

Following World War I, Catholic organizations in Brazil, concerned about a perceived rise in atheism, pooled donations and obtained support for the construction of the statue.  It would become the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world at the time. 

Created by Heitor da Silva Costa, Paul Landowski, and Carlos Oswald in 1931, the statue stands 98 feet tall, not including the base, and has an arm span of 92 feet. The Art Deco-style statue was constructed from reinforced concrete and soapstone, with a total cost of around $250,000, mostly raised through donations. Known for its awe-inspiring presence, Christ the Redeemer has become a recognisable symbol for both Rio and Brazil.

Chichén Itzá – México

 

 

Chichén Itzá is a pre-Columbian Mayan city located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, which flourished during the 9th and 10th centuries CE. The Mayan tribe Itzá, strongly influenced by the Toltecs, built a number of significant monuments and temples.

It includes the stepped pyramid El Castillo, also known as “The Castle,”. It stands 79 feet (24 meters) high in the Main Plaza. El Castillo is a testament to the Mayans’ astronomical knowledge, featuring 365 steps, the number of days in a solar year. 

During the spring and autumnal equinoxes, the setting sun creates shadows on the pyramid that resemble a serpent moving down the north stairway, with a stone snake head at the base.

Chichén Itzá also includes the largest tlachtli (a type of sporting field) in the Americas. The residents played a ritual ball game that was popular throughout pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

Taj Mahal – India

 

 

Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, and is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The name Taj Mahal means “Crown Palace”. It is widely recognised as the finest example of indo Islamic and Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.

It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. She died during childbirth in 1631.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. The main chamber of the Taj Mahal holds the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Also, it is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid gems. 

The main dome of the Taj Mahal is nearly 35 meters high with four smaller domes surrounding it. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most mesmerising buildings in the world.

It attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The Taj Mahal is not only an architectural marvel, but it is also a symbol of love. It was built as a testament to the love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal also shows the  Islamic architecture and cultural influence of the Islamic world in India. It is blended with traditions that have flourished in the Indian Subcontinent for millennia.

It has served as an inspiration to poets, artists, and architects throughout history. The Taj Mahal’s grandeur and beauty continue to leave a lasting impression on all who lay their eyes on it.

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