Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World show us just how far human imagination and determination could go. Built thousands of years ago, these monuments weren’t just impressive for their time—they still capture attention today. Even though only one of them still stands, the stories of all seven continue to remind us of what people were capable of creating long before modern tools and technology.
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
Constructed: Around 2580–2560 BCE
Height: Originally 146.6 meters (481 feet), now 138.8 meters (455 feet)
Fun Fact: The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
Built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops).
Made of over 2 million stone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons.
The only surviving wonder of the ancient world.
Aligned with incredible accuracy to the four cardinal points of the compass.
Originally covered in smooth white limestone casing stones that reflected the sun’s light, making it shine across the desert.
2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq
Estimated to have been built: Around the 7th or 6th century BCE
Fun Fact: The Hanging Gardens were said to have been one of the Seven Wonders, though no definitive archaeological evidence has ever confirmed their existence.
Described as terraced gardens filled with trees, flowers, and flowing water, like a man-made mountain of greenery.
Said to have been commissioned by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Amytis of Media, who missed the hills of her homeland.
Believed to have used an advanced irrigation system to raise water to the upper terraces.
Some historians suggest the gardens may have actually been in Nineveh, not Babylon.
Whether real or not, they remain one of history’s most famous and debated creations.
3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece
Constructed: Around 435 BCE
Height: 12 meters (40 feet)
Fun Fact: Made of ivory and gold-plated bronze, the statue was one of the most dazzling works of ancient craftsmanship.
Created by the sculptor Phidias, who also worked on the Parthenon.
Depicted Zeus seated on a grand throne, holding Nike (the goddess of victory) in one hand and a scepter in the other.
Housed in the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, where it was a central part of Greek religious life.
Destroyed sometime in the 5th or 6th century CE, possibly by fire.
Remembered as one of the most extraordinary works of Greek art.
4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey
Initially built: Around 550 BCE (rebuilt multiple times afterward)
Fun Fact: The Temple of Artemis was one of the largest and most elaborate temples of the ancient world.
Located in the city of Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).
Dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility.
Destroyed by arson in 356 BCE by Herostratus, who sought fame through destruction.
Rebuilt multiple times before its final destruction in 401 CE.
Known for its 127 marble columns, each over 18 meters (60 feet) tall.
Influenced later temple and column designs still recognizable today.
5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey
Constructed: Around 353–350 BCE
Fun Fact: The word “mausoleum” comes from this very monument.
Built as the tomb of Mausolus, a Persian satrap (governor) of Caria, and his wife Artemisia.
Combined Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian architectural influences.
Decorated with detailed friezes and sculptures by artists like Scopas and Bryaxis.
Damaged by earthquakes in the Middle Ages.
Eventually dismantled by Crusaders in the 15th century for building materials.
Inspired the design of monumental tombs for centuries.
6. The Colossus of Rhodes, Greece
Erected: 280 BCE
Height: 33 meters (108 feet)
Fun Fact: Some legends say the statue straddled the harbor entrance, but that’s likely a myth.
A giant bronze statue of Helios, the sun god.
Built by the sculptor Chares of Lindos to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over Cyprus.
One of the tallest statues of the ancient world.
Destroyed by an earthquake after just 56 years.
The remains lay in ruins for centuries before being sold as scrap metal.
Inspired later depictions of massive statues, including the Statue of Liberty.
7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt
Constructed: Around 280 BCE
Height: Estimated at 100–130 meters (330–430 feet)
Fun Fact: The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world for more than 1,500 years.
Built on the island of Pharos in Alexandria by the architect Sostratus of Cnidus.
Commissioned under the reign of Ptolemy II.
Guided sailors safely into one of the busiest ports of the ancient world.
Used a large flame and reflective mirrors to project light across the sea.
Damaged by several major earthquakes and collapsed by the 14th century.
The word “pharos” later became a synonym for lighthouse in many languages.
Even though six of the Seven Wonders no longer exist, they continue to capture our imagination. From the massive stones of the Great Pyramid to the mysterious tales of the Hanging Gardens, these monuments show just how ambitious, creative, and resourceful ancient civilizations were. Their legacies still echo in our buildings, stories, and language today.
By Neev Sahgal
