7 Wonders of The Modern World
People have journeyed from all parts of the world to behold the seven Wonders of the modern World, yet few are aware that these remarkable sites each possess a unique history. For centuries, mankind has been in awe of majestic sculptures and architecture, so much so that seven locations were eventually granted global status as “Wonders”!
Philo of Byzantine’s ancient list On Seven Wonders was written in 225 B.C. and has remained timeless and is still praised today for its demonstration of mankind’s outstanding creativity and imagination – since all these architectural masterpieces are manmade! Even though there now exist several modern versions of the same title, the original one will always remain iconic.
The seven wonders of the world are:
Petra, a breathtaking landmark located in Jordan that dates back to the first century B.C., was a wealthy oasis under the Nabatean Empire’s rule of Arabia due to its strategic location on trade routes between India, Africa, and West Asia. With its striking red-hued rocky landscape earning it the nickname The Rose City; Petra earned an esteemed placement as one of UNESCO Heritage Sites in 1985.
With its ancient structures, including a Royal Tombs estimated to be over 2000 years old, Petra is an ideal visit for all those captivated by history. Its age and grandeur have been preserved since it was first inhabited by the Edomites between the 18th and 2nd century BC before being taken over by Nabateans in 106 BC until 395 AD when Romans seized control of the city. Currently home to 800 tombs, there’s something new waiting around every corner!
The sandstone walls of Petra were catapulted to fame when they made a star appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade back in 1989. In 2019, over one million people visited this astonishing wonder of the world – an estimate provided by the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA).
A staggering two million tourists flock to the archaeological wonder of Chichén Itzá each year, making it Mexico’s second most popular tourist attraction. This historically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to remarkable Mayan ruins located on Yucatan Peninsula’s northern half and can make for an incredible day trip if you’re vacationing in Cancun, Tulum or Playa del Carmen! When taking a guided tour of this majestic location, visitors are able to explore the world-famous pyramid structures up close and personal.
Read Next:
Standing in the heart of Chichén Itzá, El Castillo is one of only a few structures that has retained its original form. Historians note it was built between 600 A.D and 1221 when the Mayan empire reigned supreme: due to its size and location, this sacred site held great importance for those living within Mayan culture. December 2019 saw an extraordinary milestone – over 18,000 visitors passing through on one single day! A visit to the ancient city of Chichén Itzá is an absolute must-have when planning a trip to Mexico. The name itself, which translates to ‘the mouth at the well of Itza’, has quite a story behind it – with many believing that Itza means ‘water magicians’!
Last but not least, we have Machu Picchu, an esteemed member of the 7 New Wonders of the World. This majestic destination captivates travelers with its stunning beauty and is a source of immense pride for Peru. Its origins are traced back to the mid-15th century when it was part of the Incan empire; however, it wasn’t until 1911 that archeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled upon this ancient city while he was actually searching for something else! His discovery revealed an enviable sight: lush green terraces and remains from a forgotten era.
Although some historians may inaccurately refer to it as ruins, Machu Picchu is actually best described as a sanctuary. This ancient city was a spiritual and sacred place for the Incans that earned its rightful recognition when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1983.
Exploring the iconic Great Wall of China is often on the agenda when visiting one of the seven new wonders. But why? Not only has it been recognized as a global landmark, but also as one of the largest man-made structures in history! It dates back to the 7th century B.C., and took over two millennia for completion – a staggering amount given its construction spanned across 10 Chinese dynasties!
Meandering for a total of 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers) and traversing 404 towns across 15 Chinese provinces in the north and center of China, it is difficult to precisely pinpoint the location of The Great Wall. Made from an assortment of materials like brick, stone, rammed earth and wood – this important construct was used both as a border security measure against nomadic forces alongside providing defense reinforcement. Unfortunately, due to the effects of both humans and nature, nearly one-third of the Great Wall has been lost. In recognition of this issue, authorities in China have launched multiple projects with the mission to carefully restore what remains and reunite any missing parts.
For centuries, the Chinese have referred to this triumph as Chángchéng – an emblematic name that translates directly to “Long Wall”. And it is not hard to see why! Every year, over 10 million people visit this world wonder that was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site in 1987. The Great Wall of China stands tall and proud for all eternity.
Resplendent in the very center of Rome, Italy, lies The Colosseum – a majestic reminder of the might and grandeur that was once Ancient Rome. Construction on this exquisite amphitheater began in 70 A.D., with it finally being completed and presented to Emperor Vespasian 8 years later in 80 A.D.
To this day, it is still renowned as the world’s largest amphitheater, a lasting testament to its designer’s ambition for greatness! The majestic Colosseum boasts impressive dimensions of 189m in length, 156m wide and 50m high, constructed from stone and concrete. It could comfortably accommodate an astonishing crowd between 50,000 to 70,000 spectators during its prime. The arena hosted intense gladiator contests with most contestants being men slaves or criminals, along with mock sea battles and animal hunts featuring exotic creatures like big cats or even crocodiles!
By the dawn of the 20th century, two-thirds of Rome’s iconic Colosseum had been ruined by disrepair and natural catastrophes including its marble seating. This prompted a comprehensive restoration program in the 1990s which has reestablished this significant historical site as one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, receiving more than 7 million visitors each year!
Christ the Redeemer, a famous symbol of Rio de Janeiro, stands atop Corcovado mountain with its arms extending 92 feet wide in an awe-inspiring sight. At 2,310 feet above sea level and measuring 98 feet tall, it is easy to understand why this iconic monument is one of the most beloved attractions in Rio De Janeiro’s National Park of Tijuca.
In April 1922, the construction of this magnificent statue commenced in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1931 it was completed and represented a fusion of design and engineering by renowned artists such as Paul Landowski -the Polish-French sculptor-, Heitor da Silva Costa and Albert Caquot who were responsible for its final touches.
Ever questioned how the colossal Christ Redeemer found itself atop Mount Corcovado? Due to its size, it was constructed at the peak of the mountain and transported with a miniature cog-wheel train.
Celebrating the 100th year of the Brazilian Republic, Christ the Redeemer is a behemoth Art Deco-style sculpture that welcomes nearly 2 million people annually. It stands as one of Brazil’s and indeed, the world’s most visited sites – there is even an exact replica in Lisbon! If you are planning to visit this icon of Rio de Janeiro, make it a point to do so on a clear day for optimal views across town.
The Taj Mahal, situated in Agra, India and renowned as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is more than just an impressive white marble mausoleum. Built from 1632 to 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who passed away on June 17, 1631; it stands as a symbol of timeless love that lights up not only India but also the entire world.
Constructed with white marble from Makrana, Rajasthan and embellished with precious materials like lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, sapphire from Sri Lanka and Arabia, jade and crystal from China, turquoise from Tibet – the Taj Mahal is a luminous testament to its architects’ masterful synthesis of Islamic artforms, Persian stylings and traditional Indian design.
Every year, over 2.5 million tourists flock to Agra, India in order to witness the grandeur of the Taj Mahal firsthand – a UNESCO Heritage site since 1983. Even though photos can give you an idea of its beauty, they are nothing compared to actually seeing it with your own eyes: From the delicately designed walls and ceilings full of intricate details, the awe-inspiring monument is truly one that must be experienced first hand.
Have you experienced the remarkable grandeur of one of the modern seven wonders? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
© SmartXpat All Rights Reserved 2022
