Ancient 7 Wonders of the World

 

1. Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu in Egypt

Pharaoh Khufu, a historical figure from the first dynasty of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt, lived around the 26th century BCE. He achieved immortal glory by constructing the 'Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu,' the largest pyramid in Egypt, which served as both a symbolic structure representing his kingdom and a tomb.

 

This powerful monarch's tomb, surrounded by tremendous architectural prowess, stands as one of the most astonishing structures in Egyptian history.

 

The Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu reaches a height of approximately 146.6 meters and is composed of millions of stone blocks. Its scale is so immense that it was unimaginable with the technology available at the time, and the completed pyramid commands a prominent presence in the serene desert landscape.

 

Beyond its sheer height, the internal structure of the pyramid is intricately designed, with precise sizing and positioning of each stone, showcasing meticulous architectural craftsmanship.

 

Mystery and Legends

The interior of the Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu continues to harbor many mysteries. Some scholars argue that Khufu's Great Pyramid, along with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, was constructed in alignment with the constellation Orion. 

 

2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Mesopotamia

In the ancient capital of the Babylonian Empire, Babylon, there existed a colossal rooftop garden known as the Hanging Gardens. The garden, with its massive stacked tiers connected by terraces, boasted an impressive height of approximately 120 meters, a scale unimaginable with the technology of that era.

 

The multi-tiered garden was designed to resemble a mountain, with various types of plants and trees planted on each level, giving it the depiction of a garden growing in the sky.

 

According to legend, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were commissioned by Queen Amytis, the wife of King Nebuchadnezzar II. It is said that Amytis, longing for the green mountains of her homeland in Media, presented the gift of this lush garden to Babylon.

 

Mystery in Descriptions and Texts

However, the precise location and appearance of the garden remain undisclosed. This magnificent aerial garden, beautiful and grand, eventually succumbed to the encroaching sands and was submerged along with the city.

 

 3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Around 433 BCE, a colossal statue of Zeus was erected in Olympia, Greece.

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia is one of the iconic sculptures discovered in ancient Olympia, depicting Zeus, one of the supreme gods in Greek mythology.

 

Crafted from marble, the statue stands at an approximate height of 13 meters, emphasizing Zeus's immense size and majesty.

 

The Grandeur of the Zeus Statue

Zeus stands in a tranquil yet majestic pose, wearing a crown and holding a thunderbolt in his right hand. His left hand may be extended forward or occasionally holds a weapon.

 

The religious ceremonies and athletic competitions held in Olympia were among the most significant religious events in ancient Greece, and the Zeus statue erected there imparted grandeur to pilgrims visiting this sacred place.

 

 

4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, an ancient Greek city, is renowned as a temple dedicated to the worship of Artemis, a goddess revered in Greek mythology for her association with hunting and nature.

 

The temple gained fame for its immense size, measuring approximately 137 meters (450 feet) in total. This makes it one of the largest among ancient Greek temples.

 

Surrounded by 127 columns, the temple adopted a unique form with two rows (ranks) of multiple columns on the top.

 

Destruction of the Temple of Artemis

The temple underwent several instances of destruction and reconstruction throughout history. Notably, in 356 BCE, a person named Herostratus set fire to the temple, stating, "I set this fire so that people will remember my name forever."

 

Today, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus remains partially destroyed but stands as a valuable relic, providing insights into the architectural and artistic achievements of that era.

  

5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was erected by Artemisia II in honor of her husband and brother, Mausolus, the son of Hecatomnus. The word "mausoleum" itself originates from Mausolus's name.

 

This monument stands out as a unique fusion of Eastern elements within the framework of a Greek-style memorial. It signifies the inception of Greco-Oriental architecture, influencing later constructions during the Hellenistic period.

 

Constructed by some of the finest sculptors and architects of the time, Mausoleum of Mausolus is distinguished by its rich sculptures and ornamentation.

 

Legend and Destruction of the Mausoleum

According to legend, when Mausolus died, his sister and wife, Artemisia II, mixed his ashes with wine and drank it, vowing to build the most beautiful tomb ever made. Eventually, she was interred in the same tomb after her death. Unfortunately, Halicarnassus suffered multiple invasions and destructions throughout history. The Mausoleum, once a splendid masterpiece of art and architecture, crumbled due to natural disasters, leaving behind only traces of its magnificence.

 

 

 

6. Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a colossal bronze statue located on the Greek island of Rhodes. Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was the tallest statue in the world at the time, towering at an impressive height of 33 meters, comparable to the Statue of Liberty.

 

Erected between 292 BCE and 280 BCE to commemorate the victory in the Rhodes War and dedicated to the city's patron god, Helios, the Colossus assumed an iconic pose symbolizing the island's protection. It stood with legs apart, facing the entrance of the harbor, conveying determination in the face of war.

 

Destruction

However, after standing for 56 years, a record-breaking earthquake struck Rhodes, causing the Colossus to collapse. Subsequently, it was completely destroyed in a fire.

 

 

 

7. Pharos of Alexandria

The Pharos of Alexandria is a lighthouse believed to have been constructed in the 3rd century BCE on the island of Pharos in Alexandria. According to legend, the lighthouse was built with white marble, featuring a height of over 100 meters across three tiers.

 

The lower part was a massive square fortress, followed by an octagonal middle section, and the upper part was circular, housing a statue of the goddess Isis. The top emitted light, illuminated by a large mirror-like reflector, making it visible from 50 kilometers away. The interior boasted over 300 rooms, serving various purposes, including military barracks.

 

The precise date and reason for the Pharos's demise remain unknown. Its decline, like many ancient structures, is often attributed to factors such as earthquakes, wars, or natural disasters.