Although most people know that a list exists of the Seven World Wonders, only few can name them. The list of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World was originally compiled around the second century BC. The first reference to the idea is
found in History of Herodotus as long ago as the 5th century BC. Decades later, Greek historians wrote about the greatest
monuments at the time. Callimachus of Cyrene (305BC-240BC), Chief Librarian of the Alexandria Mouseion, wrote "A
Collection of Wonders around the World". All we know about the collection is its title, for it was destroyed with the
Alexandria Library.
Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one had a practical use in addition to its architectural elegance: The
Lighthouse of Alexandria. For sailors, it ensured a safe return to the Great Harbor. For architects, it meant even more: it was
the tallest building on Earth. And for scientists, it was the mysterious mirror that fascinated them most... The mirror's
reflection could be seen more than 50 km (35 miles) off-shore.
Location
On the ancient island of Pharos, now a promontory within the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
History
Shortly after the death of Alexander the Great, his commander Ptolemy Soter assumed power in Egypt. He had witnessed t
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From its building to its destruction lies a time span of merely 56 years. Yet the colossus earned a place in the famous list of
Wonders. "But even lying on the ground, it is a marvel", said Pliny the Elder. The Colossus of Rhodes was not only a
gigantic statue. It was rather a symbol of unity of the people who inhabited that beautiful Mediterranean island -- Rhodes.
Location
At the entrance of the harbor of the Mediterranean island of Rhodes in Greece.
History
Throughout most of its history, ancient Greece was comprised of city-states which had limited power beyond their boundary.
On the small island of Rhodes were three of these: Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos. In 408 BC, the citi
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Similar
to the Great Pyramid, we are now visiting the burial place of an
ancient king. Yet the Mausoleum is different - so different from the
Pyramid that it earned its reputation - and a spot within the list -
for other reasons. Geographically, it is closer to the Temple of
Artemis... And it was the beauty of the tomb rather than its size that
fascinated its visitors for years.
Location
In the city of Bodrum (f.k.a. Halicarnassus) on the Aegean Sea, in south-west Turkey.
History
When the Persians expanded their ancient kingdom to include Mesopotamia, Northern India, Syria, Egypt, and Asia Minor,
the king could not control his vast empire without the help of
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This is the statue of the god in whose honor the Ancient Olympic games were held. It was located on the land that gave its
very name to the Olympics. At the time of the games, wars stopped, and athletes came from Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and
Sicily to celebrate the Olympics and to worship their king of gods: Zeus.
Location
At the ancient town of Olympia, on the west coast of modern Greece, about 150 km west of Athens.
History
The ancient Greek calendar starts in 776 BC, for the Olympic games are believed to have started that year. The magnificent
temple of Zeus was designed by the architect Libon and was built around 450 BC. Under the growing power of ancient
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Is it simply a temple? How could it take its place among
other unique structures such as the Pyramid, the Hanging Gardens, and
the Colossus of Rhodes? For the people who actually visited it, the answer
was simple. It was not just a temple... It was the most beautiful structure
on earth... It was built in honor of the Greek goddess of hunting and
wild nature. That was the Temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus.
Location
The ancient city of Ephesus near the modern town of Selcuk, about 50 km
south of Izmir (Smyrna) in Turkey.
History
Although the foundation of the temple dates back to the seventh century
BC, the structure
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Fruits and flowers... Waterfalls... Gardens hanging from
the palace terraces... Exotic animals... This is the picture of the Hanging
Gardens of Babylon in most people's minds. It may be surprising to know
that they might have never existed except in Greek poets and historians
imagination!
Location
On the east bank of the River Euphrates, about 50 km south of Baghdad,
Iraq.
History
The Babylonian kingdom flourished under the rule of the famous King, Hammurabi
(1792-1750 BC). It was not until the reign of Naboplashar (625-605 BC)
of the Neo-Babylonian dynasty that the Mesopotamian civilization reached
its ultimate glory. His son, Nebuc
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It
is the one and only Wonder which does not require a description by
early historians and poets. It is the one and only Wonder that does not
need speculations concerning its appearance, size, and shape. It is the
oldest, yet it is the only surviving of the Seven Ancient Wonders. It
is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Location:
At the city of Giza, a necropolis of ancient Memphis, and today part of Greater Cairo, Egypt.
History
Contrary to the common belief, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), not all three Great Pyramids, is on top of the list
of Wonders.
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Constructed By Shah Jahan Year of Construction 1638-1648 Location Old Delhi
The
Red Fort of Delhi is a massive monument built by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan. It took approximately 10 years to complete the Red Fort of Delhi
that was started in the year 1638. Situated on the embankment of river
Yamuna, the fort was constructed during the zenith of Mughal Empire. The
Red fort was supposed to be the fortress of the Shah Jahan's new capital
at Delhi, Shahjahanabad. Today, the Red fort serves as the venue for the
Prime Minister's Speech that is given on the Independence Day of the
country.
Lal Quila of Delhi is surrounded by a moat, now dry, and walls that
stretch on for approximately two km. The width of the wall varies from
18 m on the riverside to 33
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Location At Fatehpur Sikri, 45 Kilometers from Agra Ideal Time to Visit Anytime round the year, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Attraction Quranic Inscriptions How to Reach Hire a cab or Auto from the hotel. Private buses are also
available
Buland
Darwaza is a 15-storied high gateway that guards the Northeastern
entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Historians have come to a
consensus that this building was constructed in the year 1575. It was
commissioned by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh
and Ahmednagar in Gujarat and Deccan respectively.
The intimidating structure stands 43 meters or 140 feet on the pedestal
and a cool 54 feet above the ground. The gateway is approached by a
steep flight of 42 steps, which add
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Designed By Edwin Lutyens Year of Construction 1921 Location Near Connaught Place, Delhi Significance War Memorial of martyred soldiers Best Time to Visit In the late evening.
India
Gate is a war memorial of martyred soldiers, situated in the middle of
New Delhi. Standing tall at a height of 42 m, Delhi India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe",
seems like a gateway at the heart of a crossroad. His Royal Highness,
the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of India Gate in the
year 1921. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the monument was dedicated to the
country after 10 years, by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. It stands as a
tribute to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World
War I, when they fought for the British Army. ... Read more »
Location Jaipur, Rajasthan Highlight Its peculiar Architecture Buit by Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Best time to visit October to February Timings Open 09.00 - 17.00 hrs
The
'Hawa Mahal' or the Palace of Wind is one of the main landmarks of
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal is a five storey
building of remarkable architecture and a spectacular example of the
Rajput style of architecture made of red and pink sand stone,
beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's done (painted) with
quick lime. You can get a spectacular view of the Jaipur city from the
Hawa Mahal. It is believed that the Hawa Mahal was originally conceived
with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the
everyday life and roya
... Read more »
The
Red Fort of Delhi is a massive monument built by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan. It took approximately 10 years to complete the Red Fort of Delhi
that was started in the year 1638. Situated on the embankment of river
Yamuna, the fort was constructed during the zenith of Mughal Empire. The
Red fort was supposed to be the fortress of the Shah Jahan's new capital
at Delhi, Shahjahanabad. Today, the Red fort serves as the venue for the
Prime Minister's Speech that is given on the Independence Day of the
country.
Buland
Darwaza is a 15-storied high gateway that guards the Northeastern
entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Historians have come to a
consensus that this building was constructed in the year 1575. It was
commissioned by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh
and Ahmednagar in Gujarat and Deccan respectively. 
India
Gate is a war memorial of martyred soldiers, situated in the middle of
New Delhi. Standing tall at a height of 42 m, Delhi India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe",
seems like a gateway at the heart of a crossroad. His Royal Highness,
the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of India Gate in the
year 1921. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, the monument was dedicated to the
country after 10 years, by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. It stands as a
tribute to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World
War I, when they fought for the British Army. 
The
'Hawa Mahal' or the Palace of Wind is one of the main landmarks of
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal is a five storey
building of remarkable architecture and a spectacular example of the
Rajput style of architecture made of red and pink sand stone,
beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's done (painted) with
quick lime. You can get a spectacular view of the Jaipur city from the
Hawa Mahal. It is believed that the Hawa Mahal was originally conceived
with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the
everyday life and roya
