In 2007, more than 100 million people voted to declare
the New Seven Wonders of the World. The following list of seven winners
is presented without ranking, and aims to represent global heritage.
Great Wall of China (China)
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China
is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of
the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a
succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making
it the world's longest manmade structure.
Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain
in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot
reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva
Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build - much of the money was
raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized
icon for Rio and Brazil.
Machu Picchu,
an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2
towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred
archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at
the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was
later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to
locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram
Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most
visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza.
This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt,
flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political
and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.
The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum.
Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years.
The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to
watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles,
including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes
and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but
portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still
influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000
years later.
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal
was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen
of Muslim art in India, the white marble structure actually represents a
number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and
Indian. The Taj Mahal also encompasses formal gardens of raised
pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.
Petra (Jordan)
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of
the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime
from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be
early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate
tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A
number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat
amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn
its fame.
