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OPINION
When I was in school (several years ago) we learned of the 7 wonders of the world. The original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is a list that has long frustrated travelers. Six of the seven structures on the list haven’t existed for centuries, and must be forever imagined. These 7 Ancient wonders of the world included the Pyramid of Egypt, Pharos of Alexandrian, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The Temple of Artemis, Statue of Zeus, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Colossus of Rhodes. Ancient civilizations built these 7 wonders from about 2700 B.C. to about 270 B.C. The only one in existence today is the Egyptian Pyramids at Giza. Fires, earthquakes, conquests and the ravages of time have destroyed the others (http://www.princeton.edu/ ~ferguson/adw/wonders.shtml.) The New Seven Wonders of the World was compiled by popular cyber space vote. It was headed by Swiss adventurer Bernard Webber. In 1999 Weber began collecting suggestions from Internet users around the world. A list of over 200 nominations was narrowed down to 70, and then to 21, and finally to 7. The group reported more than 100 million votes, received via the Internet and cell phone messages, which, if true, makes this the largest poll ever conducted (http://www.infoplease.com/ world/buildings-structures/seven-new-wonders.html). The Great Wall of China--This 4,160-mile wall was built to protect China from invading Huns, Mongols, and other tribes, and to unite fortifications into one defense system. Begun in the 7th century B.C., the barricade took hundreds of years to build, and ranks as the world’s longest man-made structure-and is apparently the only one visible from space. Petra, Jordan is an ancient capital city that was built around 9 B.C. during the reign of King Aretas IV. It continued to flourish during the Roman Empire. Now, it is visible in its pink stone ruins and carved façade. Christ Redeemer Statue, Brazil—The statute stands 125 feet tall atop the Corcovado Mountain high above Rio. It took five years to build. Paul Landowski a French sculptor constructed the statue and then shipped it to Brazil in pieces It was carried up the mountain by train, where it was reassembled. Machu Picchu, Peru—Named the “city in the clouds”, Machu Picchu was built 8,000 feet above sea level by Incan emperor Pachacutec in the 15th BC century. The city remained unknown until it was rediscovered by an explorer in 1911. Pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico--The center of Mayan civilization in its day, Chichen Itza is still visible in several structures, including the pyramid of Kukulkan. Roman Colosseum, Italy—Built over 2,000 years ago, this giant, 50,000 seat amphitheater is located in the center of Rome. Taj Mahal, India--Built in 1630 by a grieving emperor, Shah Jahan, The Taj Mahal combines Indian, Persian, and Islamic style of architecture. The contest was a way to celebrate cultural diversity and history, and to encourage travel and communication. Half of the money raised will be used to fund the preservation and restoration of monuments around the world. Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net
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