The original 7 wonders of the
world are as follows
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- Lighthouse of Alexandria
- Statue of Zeus
- Colossus of Rhodes
- Temple of Artemis
- Maisoleum at Halicarnassus
Of these ancient marvels, only the Great Pyramids of Giza remain standing. What follows is a list of ancient wonders that can be recognized as the other 7 wonders of the world.
1.Kailasa Temple
Besides the Great Pyramids of Giza,I believe this is the most breathtaking and perplexing achievement ever accomplished, whether in ancient times or modern times.
Located in Maharashtra,India, the Kailasa Temple is the crown jewel among the 34 temple’s in the Ellora caves complex. The craftsmanship is stunningly beautiful, depicting various aspects of Hindu and Buddhist mythology and culture. The temple is carved in such a way that it appears as if the entire structure is being carried by elephant’s.
Upon entering the Kailasa Temple, there stands two majestic 45- foot pillars adorned with intricate carvings.A bridge connects to another part of the temple bear in mind this is all cut from solid basalt rock.
As with many of these ancient wonders, it’s a mystery as to what was done with the rock that was excavated to carve these gems.
2.Lalibela
Located in Ethiopia, there are 11 stunning rock- cut churches that are true masterpieces of art and engineering, nearly impossible to replicate today. Among these, two particularly stand out: The church of St. George known locally as Bete Giyorgis, is hewn directly from rock in the form of a cross.
I ventured onto YouTube to catch a glimpse of the interior, and it’s truly breathtaking.Despite the passage of time, people continue to visit this church to worship and partake in various rituals,to this day.
The Biete Medhane Alem, also known as the House of the Savior of the world, is yet another jaw-dropping Rock cut church in Ethiopia.
Observing the Biete Medhane Alem,I am simply flabbergasted. It leaves me questioning how was such a marvel achieved? What kind of advanced technology did they possess? This church resembles a grand building, complete with pillars encircling it’s entirely and an angled roof. And yet it’s essential to remember that every detail is meticulously carved out of solid rock.
3. Longyou Caves
The longyou Caves in China are a series of 24 man- made caverns. They were discovered in 1992 and are pretty mind-blowing because of their size and the mystery surrounding them.Imagine walking into a cave that’s been carved out of solid rock, with ceilings up to 98 ft high. It’s like stepping into an ancient architectural wonder.
What’s really crazy is that no one knows exactly how old they are, but they might be at least 2,000 years old, dating back to Qin or early Han dynasties. There are no records or historical documents explaining why they were made or who made them. The amount of rock that had to be removed is staggering- about a million cubic meters.
The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate patterns and marks, suggesting a level of precision and technology that surpasses even or modern capabilities. The craftsmanship displayed here hints at the machinery, now lost to the sand of time, leaving us in wonderment at the ingenuity of our ancestors.
Sacsayhuaman Walls
Perched majestically in Peru, at an elevation of 3,700 meters above sea level, lies the enchanting site affectionately dubbed the “Sexy Human Walls”. These remarkable ancient structures boast meticulously cut polygonal- shaped stones, weighing between 100-200 tons. It’s as if the stones themselves hold the secrets of a civilization lost in time, whispering tales of incredible craftsmanship and engineering prowess.
5. Tomb of the Kings
Located on the picturesque banks of the Dalyan River in Turkey stands yet another awe-inspiring testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors.Its truly perplexing that there a widely held beliefs that such monuments were done without the aid of advanced machinery.
To reach these ancient tombs,perched proudly on the face of the mountains, one must embark on a15- minute uphill hike followed by ascending 296 stairs to reach the highest point. As you make your ascent, the anticipation builds leading you to the culmination of this incredible journey.
Carved into the very heart of the mountains are pillars of exquisite craftsmanship, each bearing witness to the skill and dedication of ancient artisans who painstakingly shaped them. These pillars stand as silent sentinals, guarding the secret of a bygone era and inviting us to marvel at the mysteries of the past.
It’s truly remarkable to think that within Turkey alone, there are ruins that could stake claim to the 7 wonders of the world. The rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of this ancient land is a testament to the enduring legacy of human civilization.
6. Petra
Petra is famous for its stunning rock- cut architecture, carved into rose- colored cliffs. The most iconic sight is the Treasury,a majestic building that greetalls visitors as they enter through a narrow canyon called the siq.
While I’ve never been to Petra myself I’ve always been intrigued by it’s beauty and history. It’s a place that captures the imagination and leaves you wanting to know more like all of the countless wonders of the world.
7. Great Pyramids of Giza
I can never get tired of gazing at the Great Pyramids. They’re right at the top of my bucket list something I absolutely have to experience before my time is up. To me, they represent the most fascinating feat ever accomplished, especially considering they were built so long ago. Just imagine how magnificent they must have looked in their heyday with the white limestone adorning the pyramids.
It must have glistened and shined brightly in the desert sun, leaving all onlookers mesmerized. Can you imagine the awe and wonder it inspired in ancient traveller’s as they approached this magnificent sight, it’s polished limestone facade gleaming like a beacon in the vast desert landscape? It’s moments like this that remind’s us of the enduring power and majesty of the Great Pyramids, standing as timeless monument’s to human ingenuity and ambition.
Honorable Mention
— Serapeum of Saqquara(Egypt)
— Angor Wat(Cambodia)
— Manchu Piccu(Peru)
— Tizer Monument(Montana)
— Mesa Verde(Colorado)
— Borobudur(Indonesia)
— Great Pyramid of Cholula(Mexico)
— Great wall of Zimbabwe(South Africa)
