You are probably all familiar with the ancient seven wonders of the world, But Did you know that in 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare the new seven wonders of the world?
The following list of the New Seven Wonders is presented without ranking, and aims to represent global heritage.
#1. Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall is about 2700 years old, and more than 1 million labourers were recruited into the massive undertaking. It is not one wall, but a collection of walls, spanning almost 4000 miles. That makes it the longest man made structure in the world. It was built to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongols. Many parts of the wall have succumbed to the elements. Almost one-third of it has disappeared.
#2. Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
The iconic statue we know today with its arms outstretched is very different from the the original concept "Da Silva Costar's" initial plan was to have Christ carrying a large cross in one hand and a globe in the other. The 98 foot statue took 9 years to construct. It is made from rainforced concrete which was the only material strong enough to support the wingspan. The concrete is adorned with over 6 million soapstone tiles to enhance the design. Thanks to weather and lightning strikes, the piece has been restored several times. In 2003, they installed escalators to make the 200 steps teep a bit more manageable.
#3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Situated 7000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in peru. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter. In the "Quechua" language Machu Picchu means "old peak" or "old mountain". Machu Picchu comprises 150+ buildings ranging from baths to houses to temples. The Incas were such great masons that not even the blade of a knife can slip between stones. The archaeological gem is an astronomical observatory accurately indicating the two equinoxes. Machu Picchu was only known locally in peru until a yale professor Hiram Bingham "re-discovered" this site in 1911.
#4. Chichen Itza, Mexico
This site is a hub of Mayan ruins located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula construction began around 600-750 A.D. Estimates put the city at almost 1500 years old. Chichen Itza was once a mighty city, a trading post for cloth, honey and salt. It was the political and economic hotspot for the Mayan civilization El Castillo, the largest and most famous pyramid at Chichen Itza, has a permanent ban on climbers due to conservation efforts. The pyramid comes in at a towering 98-feet.
#5. The Roman Colosseum, Italy
This site was built between 70A.D. and 80A.D. and was in use for almost 500 years. It was the largest amphitheatre in the world! The structure held nearly 50,000 spectators to watch gladiators and battle reenactments ever flooding the arena for naval battles. The Colosseum has 80 entrances to accommodate that vast number of spectators. There were also 36 trap doors for special effects. Earthquakes and stone robbers have taken their toll on the Colosseum almost 2/3s of the ancient site is in ruins. But portions of the site remains open to tourists almost 2000 years later.
#6. Taj Mahal, India
This mausoleum was commissioned by the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal was erected in 1632 and took 17 years to complete, requiring 22,000 painters, stone cutters, and embroidery artist. The raw material used were transported by over 1,000 elephants many revere it as the perfect specimen of Muslim arts in India. The iconic white dome (or 'Onion Dome') reaches a whopping 115-feet tall. Sadly many of the gemstones that adorned the Taj Mahal were stolen by British soldiers during the Indian rebellion of 1857.
#7. Petra, Jordan
Fans of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will recognises Petra instantly, as the frictional resting place of the holy Grail. The rose-coloured city is carved right into the rock face. It was declared a world Heritage site in 1985, it is home to over 1000 tombs. Petra was once the capital of the Nabataean empire of king Aretas IV. The people of Petra were experts in creating intricate tunnels and water chambers. Thanks to this the area became a pseudo-oasis of sorts. Some descendants of the Nabataean even still call it Home!
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