The seven wonders of the ancient world is the first known list of the most remarkable man-

made creations of classical antiquity, and was based on guide-books popular among hellenic sight-seers and only

includes works located around the mediterranean rim. The number seven was chosen

because the Greeks believed it to be the representation of

perfection and plenty.

INTRODUCTION…

1. The Great Wall of China; China

The largest man—made monument

ever built at about 4,000 miles in

length, the wall was originally built

to help create a united defense

system and prevent invading Mongol tribes out

of China. Construction

began around the 8th century B.C.

and efforts to revive it took place

from 1368 -1644 A.D.

2. Christ the Redeemer; Brazil

The 124-foot statue of Jesus stands atop the

Corcovado Mountain

overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Built in 1931, it took

five years to construct and symbolizes the

warmth and welcoming spirit of the Brazilian

people.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, which means "old

settlement," is located halfway

up the Andes Plateau—in the Amazon jungle and above the

Urubamba River. Originally a 15th

century Incan settlement, the magnificent city

was "lost" for three centuries,

then rediscovered in 1911.

4. Taj Mahal; India

The white marble mausoleum is believed by many to be the best

representation of Muslim art in India. The Taj

Mahal was built around 1630, an order from

Muslim emperor Shah Jahan, to honor the

memory of his beloved late wife.

5. The Colosseum; Italy

Almost every sports stadium today is

created based on the design of the

Colosseum, built between 70-82 A.D.

Located in the center of Rome, the

amphitheater could seat up to 50,000 spectators who watched public

spectacles like the infamous gladiator

fights.

6. Petra; Jordan

Petra, located on the edge of the Arabian desert, was home to Aretas IV, king of the

Nabataeans, who were masters of water technology. The

facade of a 138 ft.—high Hellenistic

temple on the El-Deir Monastery—an

example of traditional Middle Eastern culture

—sits within the Palace Tombs of Petra.

7. Chichen Itza; Mexico

Chichen Itza once

served as the political and

economic center of Mayan civilization.

The city housed masterpieces like

the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of

the Thousand Pillars, the Playing

Field of the Prisoners and the

pyramid of Kukulkan, which

was the last Mayan temple.

ANUSHKA SHARMA V-D08