Defining The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Some experts argue that the number seven had clear symbolism in the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In this sense, it is worth pain remember the seven sages of Greece, the seven capitals sins, the seven gates of heaven, the seven hills of Rome or the seven pillars of the wisdom in the Arab world. There were also seven impressive constructions that are known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The first historical reference to all of them appeared in the third century BC. C in the work of Philo of Byzantium "De septem orbis miraculis".

A brief brushstroke on the wonders that astonished the world

1- The Lighthouse of Alexandria located on the island of Faros was built around the lll century BC. C and disappeared in the fifteenth century as a result of a earthquake. It was 160 meters high and served as a reference point for navigation.

2- The Egyptian Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre and Mikerinos were built between 2700 and 2300 BC. C and constitute the only monumental complex that still exists. The three pyramids were built as tombs for the three pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty.

3- In the V century a. C The Statue of the god Zeus was erected in Olympia. It was part of temple dedicated to Zeus himself and was sculpted by Phidias. In the lV century a. C the statue was transferred to a palace in the city of Constantinople and in 462 it disappeared in a fire.

4- Towards the middle of the Vl century BC. C the Temple of Artemis was built on the island of Ephesus and two centuries later it disappeared after arson. However, of the ancient remains a column and a few vestiges remain standing.

5- The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was 42 meters high and was made of marble and bronze. It was built in the lV century BC. C and destroyed in the 12th century after an invasion by Turkish troops.

6- The Colossus of Rhodes dates from the beginning of the lV century BC. C. It was sculpted by Ceres de Lindos and its final disappearance occurred during the earthquake that struck the island in 226 BC. C.

7- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built in the Vl century BC. C. Archaeologists disagree on its exact location. According to recent research, they were not built by the Babylonian people but by the Assyrians during the mandate of the monarch Sennacherib.

Much more than just monuments

The history of these monuments serves to understand the religious beliefs of Antiquity. Likewise, each of these buildings allows to know the aesthetic canons and the culture of ancient civilizations. These mythical places dazzled our ancestors and today they continue to be a source of inspiration for the humanity.

Photo: Fotolia - Silvia Bruno