More than 100 million people around the world have voted
for the New Seven Wonders of the World and the results
are in. The campaign began in 1999 by Swiss adventurer
Bernard Weber and many hope that the new poll will help
to protect the newly named wonders from preventable destruction
over time. Except for the pyramids of Egypt, the original
ancient list of seven wonders have vanished. The New Seven
Wonders of the World compile an incredible list of architectural
prodigies.
Stretched out into the limestone shelf of the Yucatan
peninsula and lying deep in the jungle forest of Guatemala
and Mexico
lie the mystifying pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza.
The ancient Maya are a classic example of Mesoamerican
civilizations that originated around 2600 B.C. in the
Yucatan and rose to prominence circa A.D. 250 in current-day
Guatemala
Mexico, northern Belize and western Honduras.
The Maya were noted for their elaborate and extremely
adorned ceremonial architecture including temple-pyramids,
observatories and palaces all built expertly and soundly
without any metal tools, fascinating archaeologists to
this day. This ancient and curious civilization advanced
into highly structured kingdoms ruled by nobles and kings
amidst the Classic period in A.D. 200-900. Left are the
ancient ruins of Chichen Itza which have been pondered
by millions of people to date.
Atop of Corcovado Mountain and sitting at 710 meters high,
Christ Redeemer monument is one of the world’s most visited
and astounding effigies. The statue represent Jesus standing
with welcoming, outstretched arms and is the most famous
symbol in Rio
de Janeiro.
The original design of Christ Redeemer was created by
a Brazilian engineer named Heitor da Silva Costa who was
also in charge of the construction. Built from 1926 to
1931 with funds raised solely from donations, Christ the
Redeemer remains the best vantage point in Rio de Janeiro
from which to see panoramic views of Ipanema, Sugarloaf
Mountain and Copacabana.
Winding 4,163 miles up and down across deserts, grasslands,
plateaus and mountains like a mythological dragon, The
Great Wall of China has stood the test of time for more
than 2000 years. Though some sections of the wall are
now in ruins or even completely disappeared, it is still
one of the most alluring attractions in the world.
The architectural magnificence and historical significance
of the wall built by Han, Qin and Ming dynasties is unsurpassed
and the architectural style of the Great Wall is a marvel
in the history of construction the world. Most of the
Great Wall we see today is mainly from the Ming Dynasty
and stands as a witness to Chinese culture, history and
development.
The ruins of Machu Picchu remain one of the most beautiful
and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. One of the primary
functions of Machu Picchu was as an astrological observatory
because of the Inca’s deep rooted religion based on astronomy.
The detailed stonework is incredible to see but once viewed
it plays a part in explaining why this hidden ancient
city still stands today.
The legendary “Lost City” can be reached by a four to
five day, arduous, yet completely fascinating hike along
the Inca Trail where many other ruins can be seen along
the mountainous route in the Andes. Sitting at 7,000 feet
above sea level in a tropical forest and overlooking the
deep canyon of the Urubamba river, this homage to the
gods of the Sun and the Moon is an unforgettable sight
that completely transcends modern design.
Petra Jordan
A nomadic tribe built the Petra in Jordan and laid the
foundation of a commerical empire that extended into Syria.
This nomadic kingdom site is semi-arid which allowed the
Nabataeans to carve intricate tombs and temples into rock.
The sinuous strata of the rock formed waves and whorls
of color which were exploited in carvings when the fascinating
empire was built. Lying in a mountain basin and flanked
by a valley running from the Dead Sea Petra is a historical
and cultural rarity and a revered gem of the ancient world.
Housing spectacles of blood sports such as gladiator combats
and hunts of wild animals the Roman Colosseum stands fantastically
in present-day Rome.
It is arguably the finest example of ancient Roman architecture
and one of the most famous ruins in the world drawing
thousands of visitors every year.
Shaped like a modern football stadium, the construction
of the Roman Colosseum began during the reign of Emperor
Vespasian who ruled from A.D. 69 to 79. Completed in A.D.
80, this was one of the greatest engineering feats of
all time encompassing concrete, marble and limestone properties
and is known as one of the bloodiest exhibitions of public
entertainment known to mankind.
Taj Mahal India
Located in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh, India the
Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful architectural examples
of all time. The monument was built entirely out of white
marble by the Mughals who were the Muslim rulers of India,
over a 22 year period. The Taj Mahal is a Mausoleum that
is home to the grave of Queen Mumtaz Mahal and which some
say glows in the light of the moon.
Completed in 1648 C.E. the Taj Mahal stands on a square,
raised platform with its four corners abridge forming
an unequal octagon. The design is comprised of an interlocking
arabesque concept where each element stands on its own
and is perfectly integrated with the main arrangement.
It eagerly dominates the Uttar Pradesh skyline in all
its beauty.
The New Seven Wonders of the World have some people up
in arms while others ponder why they have not be included
before. There is no doubt that these new wonders evoke
many questions, feelings and curiosities about the ways
of ancient civilizations and the knowledge they held that
aided them in building monuments and empires that have
outrivaled time. The fact remains that each of the Seven
New Wonders evokes a feeling of awe and deep curiosity
as well as questions that may never be answered.
