12 Stunning Facts about the Seven Wonders of the World

First published 11th March 2022 Sam Khu

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Arguably, the world is full of wonders! However, seven, in particular, tend to stick out amongst the many. So, let’s take a closer look at them! Here are some fun facts about the seven wonders of the world, and what’s officially included in the list.

1. It’s a truly ancient list.

Believe it or not, the list of the seven wonders of the world is actually older than our calendars stretch back. In fact, it’s ancient! Various ancient Greek and Hellenistic writers compiled the initial Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

2. What were the original wonders?

As you can imagine, the original list contained wonders much different from those we know today! The list included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

3. What happened to the original list?

Sadly, all of the original wonders, except for the Great Pyramid of Giza, no longer exist. They were either destroyed by natural disasters or human actions over time. Great job, everybody…

Giza, Cairo, Egypt

4. A truly Great pyramid!

As mentioned above, the only surviving wonder from the initial list is the Great Pyramid of Giza. This stunning monument was built around 2560 BCE – it’s by far the biggest, and the oldest, of the three pyramids out in Giza.

5. What about the New Seven Wonders?

Don’t be too sad about losing the original seven! Although they were irreplaceable, in 2007, a global poll took place to select the New Seven Wonders of the World.

6. Who are the newcomers?

The new and current seven wonders of the world include the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Colosseum in Italy, Chichen Itza in Mexico, and the Taj Mahal in India. And we can all agree they have all definitely earned their spots on that list!

7. Behold the Great Wall!

The Great Wall of China stretches over an astonishing 13,000 miles (almost 21,000 km)! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was constructed over several centuries to protect China from invasions, and you can still visit and walk along this incredible architectural feat to this day!

8. What about Petra?

Although Petra may not be the most well-known wonder, it is incredible to behold! The ancient city etched into pink sandstone cliffs can be found in Jordan. It flourished as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom around 312 BCE and is known for its impressive rock-cut architecture and intricate water management system.

9. Rio’s best-known landmark beckons.

As many know, Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Completed in 1931, it is a symbol of Christianity and offers breathtaking views of the city.

The Great Wall of China

10. A truly hidden wonder!

Machu Picchu is a world-famous ancient Inca city situated high up into the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built around the 15th century and abandoned a century later. The city was eventually rediscovered in 1911!

11. The Mayans built their structures to last.

Chichen Itza is a well-preserved archaeological site of the Mayan civilization. It can be found in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Its most famous structure is the massive stepped pyramid known as El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcan.

12. A romantic wonder!

The Taj Mahal is, believe it or not, a tribute – raised by Shah Jahan, a Muslim emperor serving during the 17th century, this extraordinary palace is actually a mausoleum, built in memory of the emperor’s late wife!

Taj Mahal in India

FAQs about the Seven Wonders of the World

Is the Eiffel Tower one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

No, the Eiffel Tower is not considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although some assume that it is, and one day it might be, for now, it is not.