The creation of the first lists of Wonders of the world is attributed to Herodotus (famous Greek historian, 484 BC – 425 BC) and Calimachus of Cyrene (chief of the Library of Alexandria 305 – 240 BC). However, it is also beleived that the traditional list was also made by Philo of Byzantium and written on his work “On the Seven Wonders” in 225 BC.
Finally, around 140 BC, Antipater of Sidon compiled a later version of the list describing the structures in a poem. The monuments mentioned in these lists were inspired by the mythology, religion and art of the ancient great civilizations of the world.
The Ancient Seven Wonders of the World reflected the ability of the men to change the nature in order to build wonderful and beautiful structures which amaze and inspire the people.
It believes that these constructions of classical antiquity were constructed since 2700 B.C. but, unfortunately, only one of the wonders mentioned by Herodotus has survived until today: The Pyramids of Giza. However, the Ancient Seven Wonders list included:
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza , also called Khufu’s Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, and Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The legend says that the King Nebuchadnezzar constructed the gardens to please his wife Amytis. They were amazing terraces with beautiful flowers and tree around the palace of Nebuchadnezzar in the city of Babylon
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
This statue was an ideal representation of the best classical Greek style. It was made by the famous sculptor Phidias of ivory with gold plating and it was during several centuries the most beautiful work of art of the world
The Colossus of Rhodes
This wonder of the ancient World was located in the Greek Island of Rhodes. It was a giant statue of Bronze that represented to the god Helios, which was constructed in the III century BC.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
This wonder was located in the island of Pharos in front to the coastline of Alexandria. The Lighthouse served to guide the sailors and it was one of the highest buildings of the world.
The Mausoleum of Maussollos
The famous tomb of the king Maussollos of Halicarnassus known as the Mausoleum of Maussollo, which served as tomb for the king and his wife was constructed by 4 of the most important artists of their time and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Temple of Artemis
This wonder of the ancient world is also known as the Temple of Diana. The temple was located in Ephesus an ancient Greek city around 50 Km from the actual city of Izmir in the territory that today occupies Turkey.