In a resounding declaration of awe-inspiring marvels, more than 100 million people from every corner of the globe united to elect the New Seven Wonders of the World. The following list of illustrious winners, presented without hierarchical distinction, stands as a testament to the unparalleled richness of our collective global heritage.
Great Wall of China (China)
Spanning an astonishing timeline from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century, the Great Wall of China stands as an indomitable stone-and-earth fortress conceived to safeguard the boundaries of the Chinese Empire against the relentless tides of Mongol invaders. This monumental achievement manifests as an interconnected network of walls, stretching across approximately 4,000 miles, etching its name as the world’s most extensive human-engineered structure.
Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
In a remarkable display of Art Deco grandeur, the Christ the Redeemer statue has cast its benevolent gaze over the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro since its consecration in 1931. As a towering beacon of eternal benediction, this 130-foot statue, crafted from reinforced concrete and soapstone, stands as a striking embodiment of devotion. Designed by the visionary Heitor da Silva Costa and brought to life through community donations, it has imprinted itself as an unmistakable icon synonymous with the heart and soul of Brazil.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Perched with breathtaking audacity between the craggy heights of two formidable Andean peaks, Machu Picchu emerges as a testament to Incan ingenuity. Revered as an enigmatic archaeological sanctuary, this Incan city, believed to be a hallowed center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco, was meticulously constructed during the zenith of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s. Rediscovered by the intrepid archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu remains a destination of mystique, reachable only by foot, train, or helicopter, captivating modern explorers much as it did its ancient inhabitants.
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
The vestiges of Chichen Itza offer a glimpse into the remarkable prowess and adaptability of Mayan culture. Flourishing as a bustling hub of commerce for textiles, slaves, honey, and salt from approximately 800 to 1200, Chichen Itza radiates the vibrancy of a city that was both the political and economic nucleus of the Mayan civilization. Within its splendid ruins, the grandeur of El Caracol, an intricate astronomical observatory, serves as a vivid reminder of the Mayans’ intellectual and architectural prowess.
The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
Rome’s enduring icon, the Colosseum, stands as an embodiment of ancient glory. Erected between A.D. 70 and 80, this elliptical masterpiece bore witness to spectacles spanning five centuries, drawing nearly 50,000 spectators to revel in gladiatorial contests, battle reenactments, and riveting public exhibitions. Although time and tumult have left the Colosseum in a state of partial ruin, its essence lives on through its lasting influence on modern amphitheater design, a testament to the indomitable spirit of human innovation.
Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
Commissioned as an eternal tribute to the cherished wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal stands as a harmonious synthesis of architectural styles. Crafted between 1632 and 1648, this resplendent mausoleum is hailed as a quintessential exemplar of Muslim art in India. Its pristine white marble facade harmoniously interweaves Persian, Islamic, Turkish, and Indian design elements, while its encompassing formal gardens, adorned with raised pathways, sunken flower beds, and a meandering reflecting pool, further amplify its ethereal charm.
Petra (Jordan)
Bestowed with the prestigious title of a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra reverberates with the echoes of a bygone era. Serving as the capital of the Nabataean empire under the reign of King Aretas IV, Petra’s golden age flourished from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. Ingenious feats of hydraulic engineering, exemplified by intricate tunnels and water chambers, transformed Petra into a veritable oasis in the heart of the arid landscape. With its captivating stone-carved structures, a majestic 4,000-seat amphitheater, and the resplendent El-Deir monastery, Petra stands as a timeless masterpiece etched into the annals of human achievement.
In the unveiling of the New Seven Wonders of the World, we celebrate not only the extraordinary accomplishments of our ancestors but also the enduring spirit of human innovation, creativity, and determination. As these modern wonders stand resolute against the passage of time, they beckon us to ponder the boundless potential of human endeavor, a legacy that transcends generations and enriches the tapestry of our shared human heritage.