Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a list of structures considered by Greco-Roman tourists to be outstanding for their size or beauty. The first known list was compiled by Antipater of Sidon in the second century B.C. and included:
Pyramids of Egypt.
The pyramids of Egypt at Giza are the best preserved of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They still attract many visitors to Giza, just outside the present-day city of Cairo.Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II after he married a mountain princess. He hoped the gardens would make her feel at home.Statue of Zeus (Jupiter).
The statue of Zeus (Jupiter), at Olympia, Greece, was probably the most famous statue made by the ancient Greeks. People who came to watch the Olympic Games admired this gold and ivory figure.Temple of Diana (Artemis).
The Temple of Diana (Artemis) at Ephesus was one of the largest temples built by the Greeks. It was famous for its decoration and extensive use of marble.Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a great marble tomb. It was built for Mausolus, a local ruler, by some of the most famous Greek sculptors and architects.Colossus of Rhodes.
The Colossus of Rhodes was built in honor of the sun god Helios. It was constructed after the people of Rhodes survived a yearlong siege by a large force of Macedonians.Pharos of Alexandria.
The Pharos of Alexandria , Egypt, was the world's first important lighthouse. It guided ships into the city's harbor for about 1,500 years before being toppled by an earthquake.