An Insight into The Wonders of the World

By Ainsley Benbow

The Wonders of the World are seven of the most inspiring examples of human engineering, architecture and the capacity of human imagination. Contrary to the Ancient Wonders of the World, these Modern Wonders of the World were officially selected in 2007 through a worldwide voting process that considered cultural significance, architectural brilliance, and historical importance. These extraordinary monuments transcend mere tourist landmarks and together celebrate humanity’s ambition, creativity and faith that continue to inspire people across generations. 

The Great Wall of China 

The Great Wall of China is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in human history. Stretching approximately 21,196km (13,190 miles), the wall was continuously built and expanded from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, taking over 2,000 years to complete. Although around 70% of its total length consists of constructed walls, the remainder incorporates natural barriers such as rivers and mountain ridges. Additionally, rather than being a single structure, the wall is made up of a series of fortifications designed to defend the Chinese Empire from northern nomadic invasions and raids. Over time, its role expanded to include border control, regulating immigration and emigration and protecting trade routes along the ancient Silk Road. Although contrary to popular myths, the Great Wall cannot be seen from space with the naked eye, however, that does not diminish its immense scale, still taking approximately 18 months to walk its entire length. 

The Petra

Hidden within a remote valley in the sandstone mountains of southern Jordan, Petra was once a thriving trade centre and the capital of the Nabataean, an Arab tribe. Renowned for their carving skills, they created elaborate temples, tombs and homes directly into the rose-coloured cliffs, which appear to shift in colour depending on the sunlight, also earning the city the nickname, “Rose City.” Further, due to their advanced engineering skills, they constructed sophisticated water systems that supported agriculture and lush gardens in the desert environment. Petra flourished for hundreds of years, reportedly reaching a population of around 30,000 people before declining after the Romans annexed the kingdom in 106 AD and major trade routes shifted elsewhere. Additionally, earthquakes in 363 AD and 551 AD caused further damage, eventually leading to the city’s abandonment. Although many Westerners believed Petra was only a legend, it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer named Johann Burckhardt, who disguised himself as a Muslim pilgrim to gain access to the hidden city. According to tradition, this is also believed to be one of the places where Moses struck a rock and caused water to gush forth, making it a truly historical and religiously significant monument. 

The Colosseum

Built in the first century under Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum became the centre of entertainment in Ancient Rome. Capable of holding approximately 50,000 spectators, the enormous amphitheatre hosted gladiator battles, dramatic performances, animal hunts and even mock naval battles where the arena was flooded with water. Historians estimate that around 500,000 people and countless animals died there, with some species reportedly becoming extinct due to the games. Measuring 189 metres by 156 metres, the Colosseum featured an advanced system of arches and vaults that demonstrated the engineering brilliance of the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the structure was reused for different purposes, such as serving as both a church and a fortress for powerful Roman families, including the Frangipani and Annibaldi. Over centuries, earthquakes, lightning strikes, pollution and vandalism caused severe damage and for more than 1,000 years, much of the stone was removed and reused elsewhere, causing the monument to be treated largely as a quarry and not what it was, a testament to one of the greatest empires in history. 

Chichen Itza 

Flourishing during the 8th and 9th centuries AD on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza became one of the most significant cities of the Mayan civilisation and remains a powerful symbol of Mesoamerican culture and innovation. The city’s most famous structure, the stepped pyramid, ‘El Castillo’, rising 24 metres (79 feet) above the Main Plaza and containing 365 steps, symbolises the number of days in the solar year and thereby demonstrating the Mayans’ remarkable understanding of astronomy and engineering. Additionally, during the spring and autumn equinoxes (Sun is positioned directly above the Earth’s equator – the only time of year when day and night are nearly equal in length across the entire globe), shadows cast by the setting sun create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s northern staircase toward a carved snake head at the base. Chichen Itza was heavily influenced by the Toltecs, leading to the construction of important temples and monuments throughout the city. It was also home to the largest tlachtli, or ceremonial ball court, in the Americas, where ritual ball games central to Mesoamerican culture were played. 

Machu Picchu 

Surrounded by the Andes Mountains and tropical forest in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, Machu Picchu remains one of the most mysterious sites of the Inca civilisation. Built during the 15th century, the city contains around 200 structures, including temples, plazas, terraces, irrigation canals and residential areas divided into upper and lower sections. These sections separate the farming from residential areas with a large square between the two, also incorporating extensive road and trail systems, a rich habitat and special diversity in flora and fauna. Its isolated location helped preserve the site after it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. When American explorer Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to international attention in 1911, he incorrectly believed it to be Vilcabamba, a hidden Incan stronghold. Scholars still debate the true purpose of the site, with theories suggesting it may have functioned as a royal estate, pilgrimage destination or religious sanctuary. With mixed world heritage property covering more than 32,592 hectares of surrounding valleys and mountain slopes, Machu Picchu demonstrates the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of engineering, agriculture and environmental management, while many mysteries about the city still remain unsolved. 

Christ the Redeemer 

Standing high above Rio de Janeiro on Mount Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer has become one of the most recognisable religious monuments in the world. The idea for the statue emerged after World War 1 when some Brazilians feared increasing secularism, a “tide of godlessness,” and wished to create a powerful symbol of Christianity. Designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and constructed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa alongside French engineer Albert Caquot, the monument took five years to complete after construction began in 1926. The statue stands 30 metres tall with arms stretching 28 metres wide, making it the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world. Constructed from reinforced concrete and covered in approximately six million small tiles, Christ the Redeemer is regularly struck by lightning due to its exposed location, such in 2014 when the tip of Jesus’ right thumb was damaged during a storm. 

The Taj Mahal 

Recognised as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal was built by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 while giving birth to their fourteenth child. Construction took around 22 years and involved more than 20,000 workers to build the mausoleum complex in Agra, India. The complex is admired for its perfect symmetry, immense gardens, reflecting pools and intricate decorative detail. Made primarily from white marble inlaid with semiprecious stones arranged in floral and geometric patterns, the central mausoleum is crowned by a large dome surrounded by four smaller domes. Additional buildings within the complex include a mosque and a guest house constructed from red sandstone, creating a striking contrast against the white marble tomb. Additionally, according to some accounts, Shah Jahan planned to build a second black marble mausoleum for himself though this never occurred after he was overthrown by one of his sons. Today, the Taj Mahal remains a universal symbol of love, loss and architectural brilliance, continuing to captivate millions of visitors from around the world.

References:

• https://www.britannica.com/list/new-seven-wonders-of-the-world 

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4frnk7 

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Colosseum 

• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274/ 

• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/ 

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taj-Mahal 

• https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-wall-china/