More than 100 million people voted in 2007 to announce the World’s Latest Seven Wonders. Without ranking, the following list of seven winners is presented, which seeks to reflect global heritage.
Great Wall of China (China)
Constructed during the 5th century B.C. The Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification designed to defend the boundaries of the Chinese Empire from the conquest of the Mongols in the 16th century. Currently, the Great Wall is a succession of several walls stretching over 4,000 miles, making it the longest manmade building in the world. The First Emperor, who died in 210 BC, commissioned the Wall, well before the rise of the Mongols around 800 AD. a The challenge then came from the Xiongnu, who may have been the Huns’ ancestor. The classic conflict with the Mongols only took place at the end of the 14th century, when the Ming chased the Mongols out of China.
Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
Since 1931, the Art Deco-style statue of Christ the Redeemer has loomed over the Brazilians from above Corcovado Mountain in an awe-inspiring state of everlasting blessing. Heitor da Silva Costa built the 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue and it cost about $250,000 to build, all of the money was collected by donations. For Rio and Brazil, the statue has become a widely known symbol.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Scholars claim that Machu Picchu, an Incan town of dazzling granite precariously situated between 2 towering Andean peaks, was a holy archaeological base for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Founded at the height of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, the Incas later deserted this mountain citadel. Until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham, the site remained unknown except to locals. Only by foot, rail or helicopter can the site be reached; most tourists from nearby Cusco visit by rail.
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
In Chichen Itza’s magnificent ruins, the ingenuity and adaptability of Mayan culture can be observed. From around 800 to 1200, this strong city, a trade centre for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished and served as the Mayan civilization’s political and economic hub. El Caracol, a complex astronomical observatory, is the most familiar ruin on the property.
The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
The most enduring symbol of Rome, if not of Italy, is certainly its Colosseum. It was in use for about 500 years in 70 and 80 A.D. Nearly 50,000 people were seated in the elliptical frame, gathering to witness the gladiatorial games as well as other public displays, including war reenactments, animal hunts and executions. The Colosseum was left in a state of decay by earthquakes and stone-robbers, but parts of the building remain open to visitors, and its architecture also affects, over 2,000 years later, the construction of modern-day amphitheatres.
Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
Between 1632 and 1648, a mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal, was constructed. The white marble building, considered to be the most perfect example of Muslim architecture in India, currently reflects a variety of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. Formal gardens with elevated walks, sunken flower beds and a linear reflection pool are also included in the Taj Mahal.
Petra (Jordan)
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of King Aretas IV’s Nabataean kingdom, which possibly flourished from 9 B.C. in its prime to 40.AD. . Early experts in manipulating water science, creating complex tunnels and water chambers have proven to be part of this civilization, helping to establish a pseudo-oasis. The site has also gained its fame from a variety of impressive buildings cut into the stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheatre and the El-Deir monastery.
