Buzz
Initially, there were seven wonders of the ancient world, but only one still stands today. Thankfully, remarkable replicas and re-creations are scattered worldwide, allowing us to get a glimpse of what most of these ancient marvels would have looked like. After reviewing these images, it becomes evident why they earned their place as the greatest wonders of the world. To expand on the original list, I’ve added three more: one from Rome, another that was initially on the list but was removed, and one from Ethiopia that still remains intact.
10. Great Pyramid of Giza 2584–2561 BC – Present Day
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the sole survivor of the original seven wonders. While it’s still open for visitors today, it’s not quite as it was in ancient times. Originally, the pyramid’s exterior was covered in highly polished white limestone tiles, making it shine brilliantly under the harsh Egyptian sun. Unfortunately, in 1300, an earthquake caused most of these tiles to loosen, and they were repurposed for the construction of mosques.
9. Ishtar Gate 575 BC – Present
Part of the Walls of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate (the eighth gate into Babylon) earned a spot on the original list of wonders. While much of the wall remains, some sections have been reconstructed. A replica of the Ishtar Gate was created in the 1930s in Berlin using original pieces. The replica, pictured above, is truly remarkable, and if it were to be restored to its original position in the reconstructed wall, it could undoubtedly be considered a modern wonder.
8. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus 550 BC – 262 AD
The image above depicts a scaled replica of the Temple of Artemis, a grand temple dedicated to Zeus's daughter (known as Diana in Roman mythology). Throughout its history, the temple was rebuilt three times, but it was ultimately destroyed by Gothic raiders who looted it and set it ablaze. Sadly, all that remains today is a lone column from the ruins.
7. Statue of Zeus at Olympia 435 BC – 5th/6th Century AD
This enormous statue once stood in the temple complex dedicated to Zeus, the highest of the ancient Greek gods. It was so vast that it was said that Zeus would topple the temple's roof if he stood. Crafted entirely from ivory and gold-plated bronze, it must have been an extraordinarily expensive creation. While the exact circumstances of its destruction remain unclear, it is believed to have been lost in the same fire that consumed the temple.
6. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus 351 BC – 1494 AD
The image above shows the House of the Temple in Washington DC, home to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. This building was designed to be an exact replica of the lost Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The original Mausoleum was constructed for Mausolus, a Persian Governor, and its stunning beauty was so iconic that his name became synonymous with grand tombs, giving rise to the term 'mausoleum.' Over time, earthquakes caused its destruction, and the Knights Hospitaller later used its stones to reinforce their nearby castle.
5. Colossus of Rhodes 292/280 BC – 226 BC
The photo above depicts the Statue of Liberty, which was inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes. The design and scale of Liberty were based on the original statue, as it was believed to have looked when it was built. This comparison helps us imagine the immense size of the Colossus and why it was considered a wonder of the ancient world. In 226 BC, the statue was toppled by an earthquake, and its remains lay on the ground for nearly 900 years. Eventually, the wreckage was sold by a Muslim conqueror to a Jewish merchant who sold it for scrap.
4. Lighthouse of Alexandria 1303–1480 AD
Displayed above is a life-sized replica of the Lighthouse at Alexandria, located in China. The original lighthouse stood on the island of Pharos and was built to guide sailors safely into the Alexandrian harbor. Like many wonders on this list, the lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake, and ultimately a medieval fortress was constructed using the remnants of the lighthouse.
3. Roman Baths 836 BC – Present
The renowned Roman Baths in Somerset are a reconstruction of the original baths, which were destroyed long ago. Unlike many of the other entries on this list, they are still in use as a historic site. The baths were first destroyed in the 6th century, and subsequent redevelopment occurred, with the last additions completed in the late 1800s. Originally built by the British king Bladud, it wasn’t until the 1st century AD that the Romans influenced the design and function of the baths.
2. Colosseum 70/80 AD – Present
The image above shows how the iconic Colosseum in Rome would have appeared before it was severely damaged in 1349 by a powerful earthquake. Afterward, the structure was repurposed by religious orders and families for housing and even as a cemetery. Over the centuries, much of its stone was looted and repurposed for other buildings.
1. Obelisk of Axum 4th Century AD – Present
The Obelisk of Axum deserves a place on this list as it is truly an ancient wonder, though it never made the official Seven Wonders list. Perhaps its exclusion was due to Ethiopia’s distant location, which made it less accessible to many travelers at the time. The obelisk was originally erected as a marker for a royal burial site, and others like it still stand in the region. In 1937, during the Fascist occupation of Ethiopia, the obelisk was dismantled and taken to Rome. However, following improved relations between Ethiopia and Italy, it was returned to its homeland in 2005.
