Greek Structures > Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were remarkable constructions known to the ancient Greeks and their contemporaries. While not all of these wonders were located within Greece, the Greeks played a significant role in their recognition and documentation. Here’s a look at the Seven Wonders and their relation to Greece:

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza

Location: Giza, Egypt
Relation to Greece: The Great Pyramid, built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, was the oldest and only surviving wonder. Greek historians like Herodotus and later writers admired and documented its grandeur.

2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Location: Babylon, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq)
Relation to Greece: The existence of the Hanging Gardens is known primarily through Greek historians such as Strabo and Philo of Byzantium. They described the lush, terraced gardens allegedly built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife Amytis.

3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Location: Olympia, Greece
Relation to Greece: This was a giant statue of the god Zeus, created by the Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE. It was located in the Temple of Zeus in Olympia and was renowned for its immense size and the artistic skill demonstrated in its construction.

4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Location: Ephesus (modern-day Turkey)
Relation to Greece: The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was a large temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It was an important religious site and an example of Hellenistic architecture and art. It was built by the Lydian king Croesus and completed around 550 BCE.

5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Location: Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey)
Relation to Greece: The Mausoleum was the tomb of Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II. Designed by Greek architects Satyros and Pythius and adorned with sculptures by Greek artists like Scopas, it was completed around 350 BCE. It showcased the blending of Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian architectural styles.

6. The Colossus of Rhodes

Location: Rhodes, Greece
Relation to Greece: The Colossus was a massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios, erected on the Greek island of Rhodes around 280 BCE. It was created by the sculptor Chares of Lindos and stood approximately 33 meters tall, symbolizing the triumph of Rhodes over its enemies.

7. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos of Alexandria)

Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Relation to Greece: The Lighthouse was built on the small island of Pharos in Alexandria during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (283–246 BCE). The city of Alexandria itself was founded by Alexander the Great, and the lighthouse was designed by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus. It served as a beacon for sailors and became one of the tallest man-made structures in the world.

Greek Influence on the Seven Wonders

Documentation and Recognition: Greek historians, poets, and scholars such as Herodotus, Antipater of Sidon, and Philo of Byzantium documented and popularized these wonders through their writings, thereby ensuring their place in history.
Architectural and Artistic Contributions: Greek architects, sculptors, and engineers played pivotal roles in the construction and design of several wonders, showcasing the Hellenistic influence on these masterpieces.

Summary

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, while not all located within Greece, were closely tied to Greek culture through the efforts of Greek historians who recorded their existence, as well as through the contributions of Greek architects and artists. These wonders symbolize the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient world and highlight the interconnectedness of the Mediterranean civilizations.