A global poll was conducted in 2007 to determine the new list of the Seven Wonders of the World. From the former list just one remained, the Pyramids, and it was time to bring forth a fresh collection of historical icons to the globe.
Although we are all aware of the latest miracles, are we fully informed? Discover some fascinating and entertaining information about the seven wonders by reading on.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, the longest man-made barrier in the world at 5,500 miles, was erected to defend the Chinese Empire from the invading Mongols. But the number is considerably bigger, more than 13,000 miles, if one considers the size of the wall erected over thousands of years. You may visualise this distance by comparing it to the 24,000 miles that make up the equator.
And no, contrary to common belief, this structure cannot be seen from space without the use of a visual aid.
Unfortunately, numerous bricks from the wall were removed sometime between 1966 and 1976 to build residences and factories; otherwise, the entire building would have been better maintained than it is now. It is believed that the construction is experiencing erosion and parts of the wall may disappear totally in 20 years. Do you agree that a visit is in order?
Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro)
Perhaps the largest statue of Jesus in the entire world, the art deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue was largely financed by donations.
The statue was made in Brazil using reinforced concrete and a light-colored stone from a nearby quarry after being conceived in France. The statue is gradually becoming darker over time as a result of restoration work being done with a different stone because the original stone is in short supply.
More than 2 million people visit the statue each year. Additionally, due to its mountaintop location, it experiences lightning strikes 5–6 times per year. The statue once suffered a lightning-related thumb loss.
If you’re looking to buy or rent a house in Rio de Janeiro, be warned. Should your home offer you even the slightest glimpse of the statue, it will be priced higher than a similar house in the same area with no view.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Nobody is completely sure why the Incans left the beautiful city of Machu Picchu. It is not just one building, but a complex of approximately 150 buildings, including residences, baths, temples, and sanctuaries, perched dangerously between two high Andean peaks.
The location is an amazing feat of engineering that enables the city to stand atop the slope without slipping. A 2400-foot water channel still functions today with a few modest fixes. The hefty granite used for the walls was rolled up the mountainside, and it was chiselled into place without the use of mortar.
Machu Picchu is not a place for the timid. It is possible to travel there on foot or by train, but it takes significant physical endurance and altitude conditioning. You don’t want to begin approaching and then learn you can’t make it. According to the indigenous, chewing on coca leaves is considered to be beneficial.
Chichen Itza (Mexico)
This city served as the Mayan civilisation’s governmental and commercial headquarters and was a significant trading hub between 800 and 1200.
The most well-known landmark here, the pyramid of Kukulkan, contains four 91-step staircases. The number 365, which is the length of the Haab Mayan calendar, which we all still use today, is obtained by adding the steps and then counting the top platform.
The Kukulkan deity’s body appears to be crawling down during the spring and summer equinoxes, with the sculptured head at the bottom of the staircase. This is because of the way the pyramid’s shadow falls during these times.
Some buildings are renowned for their peculiar noises. It sounds like the chirping of the quetzal, a bird with iridescent green plumage and often crimson underparts that is found in the woods of tropical America, if you clap in front of the steps of the pyramid. Additionally, doing the same on the Ball Court results in 9 echoes in the court’s centre.
Roman Colosseum
One of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world is likely the Colosseum. Forget about its bloody past for a while and come on a quick tour of this engineering marvel with us.
Did you know that the building has a retractable shade that could enclose the theatre completely? You will be grateful for this protection from the sun and weather when you have to attend events that can stretch for days.
Did you know that it could be evacuated in less than 15 minutes even though it could hold 50,000–80,000 spectators? Amazing!
Everyone was welcome to enter the Colosseum. The emperor frequently employed events as a ploy to increase his popularity. Free food was provided at several occasions. Can you even begin to envision a free sporting event or concert today?
A basement in the Colosseum features trapdoors that can be used to let animals out and dispose of bodies quickly. Life-size bronze statues used to be housed inside the grand arches, and the entire structure was covered in marble. Unfortunately, robbers and earthquakes destroyed much of its glory.
Taj Mahal, India
Who hasn’t heard of the Taj Mahal? The most fascinating and perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal is an amalgamation of architectural styles including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian.
Except for Mumtaz Mahal’s actual grave, which cannot be ornamented in accordance with Islamic custom since it would be an unacceptable display of ego, the entire white marble structure is exquisitely embellished.
The Taj Mahal has been built such that, in the event of an unexpected incident, the edifice will displace the tomb. Furthermore, surveyors may see creeping structural degradation, which makes this collapse seriously concerning.
The icon has always been at risk when there is tension between nations. In order to defend it from potential attacks, builders covered it with scaffolding that, from above, looked just like a pile of bamboo.
Petra, Jordan
We are all just happy that this amazing city is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World, whether you call it Petra, Al-Batra, or the Lost City.
Despite being established in the middle of a desert, its residents were professionals at collecting water. They created tubes and chambers to supply water to every part of the city, even establishing fields and gardens inside.
Do you know that Petra, one of the world’s oldest cities, was a significant commerce hub in the first century BC?
It was home to 20,000–30,000 people, and it is thought that a significant earthquake in AD 363 destroyed half of the city. Following that, the city is thought to have lain abandoned for five centuries before being rediscovered in 1812.
A 4,000-seat amphitheatre and the El-Deir monastery are two of the city’s amazing stone carvings that are most well-known.