The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century by order of the Emperor Vespasian. A feat of engineering, the amphitheater measures by feet by meters and features a complex system of vaults. It was capable of holding 50, spectators, who watched a variety of events. Perhaps most notable were gladiator fights, though men battling animals was also common. In addition, water was sometimes pumped into the Colosseum for mock naval engagements. However, the belief that Christians were martyred there—namely, by being thrown to lions—is debated.
New Seven Wonders of the World
According to some estimates, about , people died in the Colosseum. Additionally, so many animals were captured and then killed there that certain species reportedly became extinct. It took about 22 years and 20, workers to construct the complex, which includes an immense garden with a reflecting pool. The mausoleum is made of white marble that features semiprecious stones in geometric and floral patterns. Its majestic central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes.
However, he was deposed by one of his sons before any work began. Given that the original Seven Wonders list was compiled in the 2nd century BCE—and that only one entrant is still standing the Pyramids of Giza —it seemed time for an update. And people around the world apparently agreed, as more than million votes were cast on the Internet or by text messaging.
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 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 mids, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas.
The site remained unknown except to locals until , 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. The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza.
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This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately to , 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. Rome 's, if not Italy 's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50, 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, years later. 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. 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,seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame. Get our latest travel news and trends delivered to your inbox. Home Interests Outdoors and Adventure Articles. New Seven Wonders of the World.
The following list of the New Seven Wonders is presented without ranking, and aims to represent global heritage. On others, the Palace of Cyrus , king of Persia took the seventh position. Finally, toward the 6th century A. Since the it was Greeks who made the lists it is not unusal that many of the items on them were examples of Greek culture. The writers might have listed the Stonehenge if they'd seen it, but this placs was beyond the limits of their world.
It is a surprise to most people to learn that not all the Seven Wonders existed at the same time. Even if you lived in ancient times you would have still needed a time machine to see all seven.
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While the Great Pyramid of Egypt was built centuries before the rest and is still around today it is the only "wonder" still intact most of the others only survived a few hundred years or less. The Colossus of Rhodes stood only a little more than half a century before an earthquake toppled it. Take Our Tour So pack your bags and start this impossible tour through time and space. Some of the pages have 3D images, so if you're not familiar with how to view them, click here to visit our 3D page before you start.