THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD

The Ancient Seven Wonders, and the New Seven Wonders

There are two commonly recognized lists called the Seven Wonders of the World: the Ancient Seven Wonders, and the New Seven Wonders (modern list). I’ll explain both and then why they’re called that.

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

This list comes from ancient Greek historians and travelers (around 200–100 BCE). It described the most extraordinary man-made structures known to the ancient Mediterranean world.

1. Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt) – The only one still standing today

2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq) – Legendary gardens, existence debated

3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)

4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey)

5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey) – Origin of the word mausoleum

6. Colossus of Rhodes (Greece) – Giant bronze statue

7. Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) (Egypt)

🌎 The New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)

This modern list was chosen through a global vote to reflect wonders across different continents.

1. Great Wall of China (China)

2. Petra (Jordan)

3. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)

4. Machu Picchu (Peru)

5. Chichén Itzá (Mexico)

6. Roman Colosseum (Italy)

7. Taj Mahal (India)

🤔 Why Is It Called the “Seven” Wonders of the World?

• In ancient Greek culture, the number seven symbolized perfection and completeness.

• The list wasn’t meant to include everything amazing—just the most remarkable examples known at the time.

• Ancient travelers used it as a “must-see” guide of extraordinary human achievements.

In short:

“Seven Wonders” means the greatest, most awe-inspiring structures known to humanity—chosen because seven represented completeness.

• Explain which ones were destroyed and how

Here is a clear, simple explanation of which Wonders were destroyed and how. I’ll separate the Ancient Wonders from the Modern Wonders so it’s easy to understand.

🏛️ Ancient Seven Wonders – Destroyed or Still Standing

✅ Still Standing

1. Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)

• Status: Still standing

• Why: Built with massive stone blocks and strong engineering

• Note: It is over 4,500 years old and the only surviving Ancient Wonder

❌ Destroyed Ancient Wonders

2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq)

• How destroyed: Unknown

• Likely causes: Earthquakes or gradual decay

• Note: Some historians debate whether it ever existed

3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)

• How destroyed: Fire

• When: Around the 5th century AD

• Cause: Possibly burned in a temple fire after being moved to Constantinople

4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey)

• How destroyed: Multiple times

• Causes:

  • Burned down by arson (356 BC)

  • Later destroyed by invasions and earthquakes

• Final destruction: Ruins dismantled for building materials

5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey)

• How destroyed: Earthquakes

• When: Between the 12th–15th centuries

• Afterward: Stones reused for castles and buildings

6. Colossus of Rhodes (Greece)

• How destroyed: Earthquake

• When: 226 BC

• Note: Stood only about 56 years before collapsing

7. Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) (Egypt)

• How destroyed: Series of earthquakes

• When: Between the 10th–14th centuries

• Afterward: Stones reused to build a fortress

🌍 New Seven Wonders – Are Any Destroyed?

None of the New Seven Wonders have been destroyed, though some have been damaged or restored over time.

• Great Wall of China: Parts eroded or damaged

• Machu Picchu: Protected due to landslides and tourism

• Colosseum: Damaged by earthquakes but restored

• Others: Well-preserved with conservation efforts

📌 Quick Summary

• Ancient Wonders destroyed: 6 out of 7

• Main causes:

  • Earthquakes

  • Fires

  • Human destruction and reuse of materials

• Only survivor: Great Pyramid of Giza

• Write a lesson plan or discussion guide

• Compare ancient vs modern wonders

Here is a clear, side-by-side comparison of the Ancient Wonders vs. the Modern Wonders, written in an easy-to-understand format.

🌍 Ancient Wonders vs. Modern Wonders

Category	Ancient Wonders	Modern Wonders
Time Period	Built between 2700–200 BCE	Built from 300 BCE to the 1600s CE
Who Chose Them	Ancient Greek historians and travelers	Global public vote (2007)
Purpose	Religious worship, tombs, symbols of power	Cultural, religious, political, and artistic significance
Construction Tools	Manual labor, simple tools, human and animal power	Advanced engineering, mathematics, and organized labor
Materials Used	Stone, marble, bronze, wood	Stone, concrete, steel, marble
Geographic Range	Middle East, North Africa, Mediterranean	Worldwide (multiple continents)
Survival Rate	Only 1 of 7 still stands	All 7 still stand
Main Threats	Earthquakes, fires, invasions, neglect	Tourism damage, pollution, climate change
Historical Records	Limited written descriptions	Photographs, blueprints, digital records

🏛️ Ancient Wonders – Key Characteristics

• Built without modern technology

• Represented power, religion, and mythology

• Many were destroyed by natural disasters

• Known mainly through historical writings and ruins

• Example: Great Pyramid of Giza (tombs for pharaohs)

🌎 Modern Wonders – Key Characteristics

• Chosen to reflect global diversity

• Built with advanced planning and design

• Still standing and actively preserved

• Major tourist destinations

• Example: Taj Mahal (monument of love)

🤔 Why the Difference Matters

• Ancient Wonders show human ingenuity with limited tools

• Modern Wonders show cultural expression across civilizations

• Together, they tell the story of human progress and creativity

🧠 Simple Takeaway

Ancient Wonders = early human achievement with limited technologyModern Wonders = global cultural achievements preserved today

Here is a ready-to-use lesson plan and discussion guide comparing the Ancient and Modern Wonders of the World. It’s written so it can be used for classrooms, church groups, community education, or discussion groups.

🌍 Lesson Plan:

Ancient vs. Modern Wonders of the World

Grade / Audience

• Upper elementary, middle school, high school, or adult learners

• Easily adaptable for youth groups or community discussions

Time Needed

• 45–60 minutes

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the Seven Ancient Wonders and the Seven Modern Wonders

2. Explain why the ancient wonders were destroyed

3. Compare ancient and modern engineering and cultural values

4. Discuss why preserving landmarks matters today

📚 Materials Needed

• Whiteboard or paper

• Map of the world (optional)

• Printed handout or notes (optional)

🧠 Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (5–10 minutes)

Discussion starter:

• “What does the word ‘wonder’ mean to you?”

• “Have you ever seen a building or place that made you feel amazed?”

Explain:

Wonders are structures created by humans that show extraordinary creativity, skill, and cultural importance.

2. Ancient Wonders Overview (10 minutes)

Explain briefly:

• Created over 2,000 years ago

• Known from ancient Greek writings

• Built with limited tools and technology

Key point:

• Only one ancient wonder still stands: the Great Pyramid of Giza

Ask:

• “What challenges do you think ancient builders faced?”

3. Modern Wonders Overview (10 minutes)

Explain:

• Chosen in 2007 through a global vote

• Represent different cultures and continents

• Still standing and protected today

Ask:

• “Why do you think people wanted a new list of wonders?”

4. Comparison Activity (10–15 minutes)

Group or guided discussion:

Topic	Ancient Wonders	Modern Wonders
Tools & Technology	Simple tools, manual labor	Advanced engineering
Purpose	Religion, rulers, monuments	Culture, history, tourism
Survival	Mostly destroyed	Actively preserved

Discussion questions:

• Which required more effort, ancient or modern wonders? Why?

• Would ancient wonders survive today if they were protected like modern ones?

5. Preservation & Meaning (5–10 minutes)

Explain:

• Ancient wonders were lost due to earthquakes, fires, wars, and neglect

• Modern wonders face threats from tourism, pollution, and climate change

Ask:

• “Why is it important to protect historical landmarks?”

• “What does preserving history teach future generations?”

🗣️ Discussion Guide (Optional Questions)

• Which wonder impresses you the most and why?

• Should new wonders be added in the future?

• What modern structure today might be considered a “wonder” in 500 years?

• How do these wonders reflect the values of their societies?

📝 Optional Activities

• Creative writing: Design your own “8th Wonder of the World”

• Art activity: Draw or build a model of a wonder

• Research assignment: Pick one wonder and present its history

✅ Lesson Takeaway

Ancient wonders show human achievement without modern tools.Modern wonders show global culture and preservation.Together, they tell the story of human progress.