New Seven Wonders of World

The New7Wonders Foundation initiated a global campaign to identify the New Seven Wonders of the World. The campaign sought to revive the concept of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by selecting seven contemporary landmarks through a global voting process involving millions of people worldwide. The results were announced in 2007. Here are the New Seven Wonders of the World:

1. Great Wall of China:
   The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials. It was built along the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires from invasions and raids. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles, making it one of the most impressive architectural feats in human history.

2. Petra, Jordan:
   Petra is an archaeological city in Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is renowned for its stunning structures carved into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs. The most famous of these is Al-Khazneh, also known as The Treasury.

3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil:
   Christ the Redeemer is an iconic statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Standing at about 98 feet tall, excluding its 26-foot pedestal, it overlooks the city from the summit of Mount Corcovado. This statue has become a symbol of Christianity across the world and is a major tourist attraction in Brazil.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru:
   Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel situated in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. This archaeological site is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and stunning panoramic views. Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist destinations in South America.

5. Chichen Itza, Mexico:
   Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It was a major city of the Maya civilization and features a variety of architectural styles, including the famous El Castillo pyramid. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of the Maya people.

6. Roman Colosseum, Italy:
   The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy. It is one of the most iconic symbols of Roman engineering and architecture. Built of concrete and sand, it could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

7. Taj Mahal, India:
   The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, symmetry, and beauty, making it one of the most recognizable and admired structures in the world.

These New Seven Wonders of the World represent a diverse range of cultures, histories, and architectural marvels that continue to captivate people from around the globe.

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into each of the New Seven Wonders of the World to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their historical and cultural significance.

1. Great Wall of China:
   The Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification that stretches across the historical northern borders of China. Construction of the wall began as early as the 7th century BC and continued for centuries, with various dynasties adding sections and fortifications. Its primary purpose was defense against invasions and raids by nomadic groups from the north. The wall is not a single continuous structure but rather a series of walls and fortifications built across different periods.

   The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic symbols of China’s ancient civilization. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance attract millions of visitors annually. Sections such as Badaling and Mutianyu are popular among tourists for their accessibility and well-preserved features.

2. Petra, Jordan:
   Petra is an archaeological gem nestled in the rugged terrain of southern Jordan. It was the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom, a wealthy trading hub that flourished from around 400 BC to 106 AD. What makes Petra remarkable is its rock-cut architecture, where buildings, temples, and tombs were carved directly into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs.

   The most famous structure in Petra is Al-Khazneh, or The Treasury, which served as a royal tomb. The city also features a Roman-style theater, a colonnaded street, and numerous tombs and temples showcasing intricate carvings and craftsmanship. Petra’s blend of natural beauty and ancient architecture earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site and as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil:
   Christ the Redeemer is an imposing statue of Jesus Christ that overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the summit of Mount Corcovado. Designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski, the statue stands as a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture.

   Completed in 1931, the statue rises to a height of approximately 98 feet, excluding its pedestal, and has a wingspan of about 92 feet. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, with intricate details that emphasize the serene and welcoming aspect of Christ. Christ the Redeemer has become an iconic landmark of Rio de Janeiro and a testament to human artistry and engineering.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru:
   Machu Picchu is a breathtaking ancient citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, it served as a royal estate or ceremonial site. The city is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, with buildings fitting seamlessly into the natural landscape.

   Machu Picchu’s structures include temples, palaces, and terraces, all interconnected by stone pathways. The Intihuatana stone, believed to have astronomical significance, and the Temple of the Sun are among its notable features. The site was abandoned and remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.

   Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the advanced engineering and cultural richness of the Inca civilization.

5. Chichen Itza, Mexico:
   Chichen Itza is an expansive archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, representing the zenith of Maya civilization. The city was a major center for politics, religion, and culture during its heyday between the 9th and 12th centuries AD.

   One of the most iconic structures in Chichen Itza is the El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This pyramid is renowned for its precise alignment with astronomical events, particularly during the equinoxes when shadows create an illusion of a serpent descending the stairs. Other notable structures include the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.

   Chichen Itza’s architectural achievements and cultural significance led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site and as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting visitors interested in ancient civilizations and Mesoamerican history.

6. Roman Colosseum, Italy:
   The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, is an amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Built between 70 AD and 80 AD, it was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and other events during the Roman Empire.

   The Colosseum could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators and featured elaborate mechanisms for staging events, including trapdoors, elevators, and a complex system of tunnels and chambers. Despite centuries of damage and pillaging, the Colosseum remains an impressive example of Roman engineering and architecture.

   Today, the Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent tourist attraction in Rome, offering insights into ancient Roman society, entertainment, and engineering prowess.

7. Taj Mahal, India:
   The Taj Mahal is an exquisite white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth.

   The Taj Mahal’s architecture is a fusion of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, characterized by its symmetrical layout, intricate marble inlay work, and decorative elements such as domes and minarets. The mausoleum is surrounded by lush gardens and reflective pools, enhancing its ethereal beauty.

   Considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited monuments in India. It symbolizes enduring love and stands as a testament to human creativity and craftsmanship.

These New Seven Wonders of the World encapsulate centuries of human ingenuity, artistic expression, and cultural heritage, continuing to inspire awe and admiration among people from all corners of the globe.