The World Wonders: A Journey Through Time and Space

Have you ever wondered what are the most amazing structures ever built by human beings? How did they manage to create such feats of engineering and artistry? And what can we learn from them today? In this article, we will explore the world wonders, a collection of remarkable monuments that span across different eras and cultures.


The world wonders are not a fixed list, but rather a concept that has evolved over time. The first known list of seven wonders dates back to the 2nd–1st century BC, and it included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon². These were all structures present during classical antiquity, and they represented the achievements and aspirations of ancient civilizations.


However, only one of these wonders still exists today: the Great Pyramid of Giza. The rest have been destroyed by natural disasters, wars, or human negligence. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, and it was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu around 2560 BC. It is estimated that it took about 20 years and 2.3 million blocks of stone to complete it. The pyramid is aligned with the cardinal points and has an elaborate system of chambers and passages inside. It is also part of a larger complex that includes other pyramids, temples, and the Great Sphinx.


The Great Pyramid is not only a wonder of ancient times, but also a wonder of modern times. It has fascinated generations of explorers, scholars, and tourists, who have tried to unravel its mysteries and secrets. It has also inspired many artists, writers, and filmmakers, who have used it as a symbol of power, mystery, and spirituality. The Great Pyramid is a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of human beings, and a reminder of our connection to the past.


But the world wonders are not limited to ancient times. There are also modern wonders that reflect the achievements and challenges of our contemporary world. In 2007, a global poll was conducted to select seven new wonders of the world from a list of 200 candidates. The winners were: the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, and Chichen Itza³. These are all structures that were built between the 3rd century BC and the 17th century AD, and they represent different cultures and regions.


The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that stretches for over 21,000 km along the northern border of China. It was built over several dynasties to protect China from invaders and to assert its sovereignty. The wall is not a continuous structure, but rather a collection of walls, towers, gates, and watchtowers that vary in design and materials. The wall is also a cultural icon that symbolizes China's history and identity.


The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra, India. It was completed in 1653 after 22 years of work by over 20,000 workers. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, with its white marble dome, minarets, gardens, and intricate decorations. The Taj Mahal is also a symbol of love and devotion that transcends time and death.


The Colosseum is an amphitheater that was built by the Roman emperors in Rome, Italy. It was completed in 80 AD and could hold up to 80,000 spectators who watched gladiator fights, animal hunts, executions, and other spectacles. The Colosseum is one of the most impressive examples of Roman architecture and engineering, and it reflects the power and brutality of the Roman Empire.

Machu Picchu is an ancient city that was built by the Inca civilization in Peru. It was constructed around 1450 AD on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River valley. It was abandoned after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu is one of the most intact examples of Inca architecture and culture, and it reveals the mystery and beauty of the Andes.


Petra is an ancient city that was carved out of red sandstone by the Nabataean people in Jordan. It was established around the 4th century BC and became a prosperous trade center and capital of the Nabataean kingdom. It was abandoned after a series of earthquakes and invasions in the 7th century AD and remained unknown to the Western world until its discovery in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra is one of the most stunning examples of rock-cut architecture and art, and it showcases the creativity and skill of the Nabataeans.


Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ that stands on top of the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and it was completed in 1931 after nine years of work. The statue is 30 meters (98 ft) tall and has a wingspan of 28 meters (92 ft). It is one of the largest and most famous statues in the world, and it represents the faith and culture of Brazil.



Chichen Itza is a pre-Columbian city that was built by the Maya people in Yucatan, Mexico. It was one of the largest and most important Maya cities, and it flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries AD. It was abandoned after the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and rediscovered in the 19th century by explorers and archaeologists. Chichen Itza is one of the most complex and diverse examples of Maya civilization, and it features various temples, pyramids, palaces, ball courts, and astronomical observatories.


These are some of the modern wonders of the world that reflect the achievements and challenges of our contemporary world. They are not only impressive structures, but also cultural and historical treasures that tell us stories about human beings and their relationship with nature, time, and space. They are also sources of inspiration and education for us today, as we can learn from their beauty, wisdom, and resilience.


The world wonders are a journey through time and space that invites us to explore and appreciate the diversity and richness of our planet. They are also a reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations. The world wonders are not just monuments, but also messages that we should listen to and share with others.