Lesson: The Wonders of the World - Ancient and Modern

Introduction: Throughout history, humans have created remarkable structures and

achievements that reflect the ingenuity, creativity, and skill of their time. The term "Wonders of
the World" refers to a collection of extraordinary landmarks that have amazed and inspired
people throughout history. There are two famous lists of these wonders: the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World, which are no longer fully intact, and the New Seven Wonders of the World,
which are modern landmarks still standing today. In this lesson, we will explore both the ancient
and modern wonders of the world, as well as the stories behind their creation.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a collection of monumental structures built
during classical antiquity. These wonders were considered to be the most impressive
achievements of engineering and architecture at the time. Only one of these wonders still exists
today.

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt):

o The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza was
built around 2560 BCE for the Pharaoh Khufu. It originally stood at 481 feet tall
and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. It was
constructed using millions of limestone blocks and is a testament to ancient
Egyptian engineering skills.

2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq):

o Described as an extraordinary garden with lush plants, trees, and waterfalls, the
Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to be built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for
his wife, Amytis of Media. There is debate about whether the gardens actually
existed, as there are no physical remains, and they are only described in ancient
texts.

3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece):

o This giant statue, created by the sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, depicted the
Greek god Zeus sitting on a throne. Made of ivory and gold-plated bronze, it
stood about 40 feet tall and was located in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. It was
destroyed by an earthquake in the 5th century CE.

4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey):

 o The Temple of Artemis was an enormous temple dedicated to the goddess
Artemis, built around 550 BCE in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). It was known for
its grand size and magnificent sculptures. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt
multiple times, but ultimately it was destroyed by a mob in 401 CE.

5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey):

o Built between 353 and 350 BCE, the Mausoleum was a tomb for King Mausolus
and his wife, Artemisia. It stood about 135 feet tall and was decorated with
elaborate sculptures. The mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes, but its
influence is seen in modern mausoleum designs.

6. The Colossus of Rhodes (Greece):

o The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios, built
to celebrate the victory of the people of Rhodes over Cyprus in 305 BCE. The
statue stood approximately 108 feet tall, making it one of the tallest statues of
the ancient world. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BCE.

7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt):

o Located on the small island of Pharos, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was built
around 280 BCE and stood approximately 330 feet tall. It helped guide sailors
safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria. It was destroyed by several
earthquakes and eventually disappeared by the 14th century.

The New Seven Wonders of the World

In 2007, a global poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation selected the New Seven
Wonders of the World. These wonders were chosen based on their historical significance,
architectural brilliance, and the ability to inspire awe.

1. Great Wall of China (China):

o The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and was built between the
5th century BCE and the 16th century CE to protect China from invasions. It is
one of the most famous and enduring symbols of China's strength and
determination. The wall is not a single continuous structure but a series of walls
and fortifications built over centuries.

2. Petra (Jordan):
 o Petra is an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, located in modern-day
Jordan. Founded around the 6th century BCE, Petra was the capital of the
Nabataean Kingdom. The city is known for its intricate rock-cut architecture,
including the famous Al-Khazneh (Treasury). It was lost to the Western world
until it was rediscovered in 1812.

3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil):

o The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands 98 feet tall and
stretches 92 feet across its arms. Completed in 1931, this statue of Jesus Christ
overlooks the city and is a symbol of Christianity and peace. It is one of the most
recognizable landmarks in the world.

4. Machu Picchu (Peru):

o Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains
of Peru. It was built by the Incas and is known for its advanced engineering and
stunning mountain views. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu
Picchu has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Inca civilization.

5. Chichen Itza (Mexico):

o Chichen Itza is a complex of Mayan ruins located on the Yucatán Peninsula in

Mexico. It was a major city from the 7th to the 10th century CE. The most famous
structure in Chichen Itza is the El Castillo pyramid, which was used as a calendar
by the Mayans. The site is known for its advanced astronomical and architectural
knowledge.

6. Roman Colosseum (Italy):

o The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is an ancient amphitheater that could hold up to

50,000 spectators. Completed in 80 CE, it was used for gladiatorial contests and
public spectacles. The Colosseum is a symbol of the power and engineering feats
of the Roman Empire.

7. Taj Mahal (India):

o The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is a white marble mausoleum built by the
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died
during childbirth. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal
architecture and is known for its beauty and symmetry.
Conclusion

The Wonders of the World—both ancient and modern—represent humanity's ability to create
incredible structures that stand the test of time. These landmarks continue to inspire awe and
admiration, offering us a glimpse into the past while showing how innovation, culture, and art
can shape the future. Exploring these wonders helps us appreciate the diversity of human
achievement and the rich history that has led to the world we know today.

Lesson: The Wonders of the World - Ancient and Modern

Introduction: Throughout history, humans have created remarkable structures and

achievements that reflect the ingenuity, creativity, and skill of their time. The term "Wonders of
the World" refers to a collection of extraordinary landmarks that have amazed and inspired
people throughout history. There are two famous lists of these wonders: the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World, which are no longer fully intact, and the New Seven Wonders of the World,
which are modern landmarks still standing today. In this lesson, we will explore both the ancient
and modern wonders of the world, as well as the stories behind their creation.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a collection of monumental structures built
during classical antiquity. These wonders were considered to be the most impressive
achievements of engineering and architecture at the time. Only one of these wonders still exists
today.

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt):

o The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza was
built around 2560 BCE for the Pharaoh Khufu. It originally stood at 481 feet tall
and was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. It was
constructed using millions of limestone blocks and is a testament to ancient
Egyptian engineering skills.

2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq):

o Described as an extraordinary garden with lush plants, trees, and waterfalls, the
Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to be built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for
his wife, Amytis of Media. There is debate about whether the gardens actually
existed, as there are no physical remains, and they are only described in ancient
texts.

3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece):

 o This giant statue, created by the sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE, depicted the
Greek god Zeus sitting on a throne. Made of ivory and gold-plated bronze, it
stood about 40 feet tall and was located in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia. It was
destroyed by an earthquake in the 5th century CE.

4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey):

o The Temple of Artemis was an enormous temple dedicated to the goddess

Artemis, built around 550 BCE in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). It was known for
its grand size and magnificent sculptures. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt
multiple times, but ultimately it was destroyed by a mob in 401 CE.

5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey):

o Built between 353 and 350 BCE, the Mausoleum was a tomb for King Mausolus
and his wife, Artemisia. It stood about 135 feet tall and was decorated with
elaborate sculptures. The mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes, but its
influence is seen in modern mausoleum designs.

6. The Colossus of Rhodes (Greece):

o The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios, built
to celebrate the victory of the people of Rhodes over Cyprus in 305 BCE. The
statue stood approximately 108 feet tall, making it one of the tallest statues of
the ancient world. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BCE.

7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt):

o Located on the small island of Pharos, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was built
around 280 BCE and stood approximately 330 feet tall. It helped guide sailors
safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria. It was destroyed by several
earthquakes and eventually disappeared by the 14th century.

The New Seven Wonders of the World

In 2007, a global poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation selected the New Seven
Wonders of the World. These wonders were chosen based on their historical significance,
architectural brilliance, and the ability to inspire awe.

1. Great Wall of China (China):

o The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and was built between the
5th century BCE and the 16th century CE to protect China from invasions. It is
 one of the most famous and enduring symbols of China's strength and
determination. The wall is not a single continuous structure but a series of walls
and fortifications built over centuries.

2. Petra (Jordan):

o Petra is an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs, located in modern-day
Jordan. Founded around the 6th century BCE, Petra was the capital of the
Nabataean Kingdom. The city is known for its intricate rock-cut architecture,
including the famous Al-Khazneh (Treasury). It was lost to the Western world
until it was rediscovered in 1812.

3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil):

o The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stands 98 feet tall and
stretches 92 feet across its arms. Completed in 1931, this statue of Jesus Christ
overlooks the city and is a symbol of Christianity and peace. It is one of the most
recognizable landmarks in the world.

4. Machu Picchu (Peru):

o Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains
of Peru. It was built by the Incas and is known for its advanced engineering and
stunning mountain views. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu
Picchu has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Inca civilization.

5. Chichen Itza (Mexico):

o Chichen Itza is a complex of Mayan ruins located on the Yucatán Peninsula in

Mexico. It was a major city from the 7th to the 10th century CE. The most famous
structure in Chichen Itza is the El Castillo pyramid, which was used as a calendar
by the Mayans. The site is known for its advanced astronomical and architectural
knowledge.

6. Roman Colosseum (Italy):

o The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is an ancient amphitheater that could hold up to

50,000 spectators. Completed in 80 CE, it was used for gladiatorial contests and
public spectacles. The Colosseum is a symbol of the power and engineering feats
of the Roman Empire.

7. Taj Mahal (India):

 o The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is a white marble mausoleum built by the
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died
during childbirth. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal
architecture and is known for its beauty and symmetry.

Conclusion

The Wonders of the World—both ancient and modern—represent humanity's ability to create
incredible structures that stand the test of time. These landmarks continue to inspire awe and
admiration, offering us a glimpse into the past while showing how innovation, culture, and art
can shape the future. Exploring these wonders helps us appreciate the diversity of human
achievement and the rich history that has led to the world we know today.