The Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt, were the only wonder still standing from the original Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, put together by Philon of Byzantium in 200 BC.
As Egypt’s head of antiquities Zahi Hawass sniffed: "The masses don’t write history." He refused to allow the Pyramids of Giza - the only remaining one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - to be subject to this crass exercise. Organizers duly excluded the Pyramids from voting; as an honorary Wonder, the Giza Trio received a bye.
The competition allowed people to vote online, by telephone and text message for their favourite man-made wonders, and was based on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Last Saturday academy Award-winning British actor Ben Kingsley announced the winners at a glitzy international show at Portugal's largest venue, the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
Today's modern day wonders of the world are...
Great Wall of China (220 BC and 1368-1644 AD)
China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, built the Great Wall as a defense against northern invaders. It stretches 3,725 miles, from the desert to the Pacific.
Petra, Jordan (9 BC-40 AD)
Half-built, half-carved into sheer rock by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people, this rose-hued city is surrounded by mountains containing tombs and funerary vaults.
Pyramids at Chichén Itzل, Mexico (before 800 AD)
This towering step-pyramid stands amid one of the region's greatest Mayan archaeological sites and is thought to be a temple and solar calendar.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro (1931)
With arms outspread in a wingspan of 100ft, this art deco-style figure has become an iconic image of Brazil.
Roman Colosseum, Rome (70-82 AD)
Once capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the vast amphitheatre is where ancient Rome came to watch gladiatorial contests, mythological plays and executions.
Machu Picchu, Peru (1460-1470 AD)
This mysterious citadel on the eastern slopes of the Andes was built at the height of the Inca Empire.
Taj Mahal, Agra (1630 AD)
A testament to Muslim art, this white marble mausoleum was built by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, who died giving birth to their 14th child.
Great Pyramid of Giza (2600-2500 BC) The Honorary Wonder
The only one of the original Seven Wonders that is still standing - the Great Pyramid of Giza.
1 comment:
actually I thought the pyramids were included by default as the only surviving out of the original 7 wonders. The vote is on the new ones. Egypt's status is undisputed :)
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