Exploring The New Seven Wonders of The World Like a Pro

You might be familiar with the long-standing Seven Wonders of the World. They are:

• The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia
• The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
• The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
• The Colossus of Rhodes
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria

But, have you heard about the new Seven Wonders of the World? The New 7 Wonders Foundation (N7W), based in Zurich, Switzerland, started a campaign in 2001 to choose new Wonders of the World from a selection of 200 existing monuments. Using web-based and telephone polling, it went on to become the largest poll on record and, in 2007, the new Seven Wonders were announced. 

The list below has been met with a wide range of reactions. UNESCO, for example, said the new list bears no resemblance to their World Heritage List because it’s lacking in scientific and educational research. Still, right or wrong, these are some pretty unique monuments. Ready to take a closer look? 

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is an incredible feat because it stretches over 13,000 miles, winding through mountains, deserts, and grasslands. It showcases ancient engineering on an unimaginable scale. It was built over centuries by different dynasties, and it still stands tall and proud as a testament to China’s determination to protect its people and culture. By far, it’s one of the most impressive structures in the history of mankind, especially when you consider the watchtowers, fortresses, and secret passages built into the structure. 

Petra

In line with unfathomable architecture, we also have Petra. This New Wonder of the World is incredible because it’s an ancient city carved right into the red-rose cliffs of Jordan. As a former trading pub from over 2,000 years ago, it’s incredible that you can see certain structures like the Treasury, the Monastery, and a complex water system that allowed life to flourish – even in the harsh desert sun. 

The Colosseum

The Colosseum deserves a spot on this list because it’s one of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments in ancient Rome. Also built nearly 2,000 years ago, this massive amphitheater was designed to hold up to 50,000 spectators who would gather together to watch epic gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and dramatic performances. The Romans’ advanced construction skills are on full display when you take note of the underground tunnels, retractable awnings, and tiered seating. 

Chichén Itzá

Let’s move over to the Mayan civilization because they knew a thing or two about architecture, astronomy, and culture, too. Within this archeological site, you’ll find the massive El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán. It was designed with such precision that, during the spring and fall equinoxes, the reflection from the sun creates a shadow that looks like a serpent slithering down the steps. Unbelievable, right? The city also has the Great Ball Court, a place where the Mayans played a mysterious – and possibly deadly – game.