SEVEN WONDERS OF THE EARTH – VOLUME 2

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE EARTH – VOLUME 2

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs and their families. Since there are three pyramids in the area, Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu, many people are confused about which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Many people even think that The Sphinx is one of the seven wonders. It is actually Khufu’s Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt that is one of the wonders and that still stands there with all of its glory.

The Colossus of Rhodes

This is an ancient statue built in honour of Helios, the sun god. It is located on the island of Rhodes. This huge statue was built in the 3rd Century BC by Charles of Lindos. The statue was over 30 metres high and stood upon a 15 metre high pedestal. It was placed there as if it was watching over the harbour. Unfortunately, an earthquake in Rhodes destroyed this wonder.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

This is a huge white marble tomb which was built to be the grave for Mausolus who was a Persian king, and also for his wife, Artemisia. Halicarnassus was located in the southwestern area of today’s Turkey. This tomb was built in the 4th Century B.C. and was 40metres high. It remained intact until the 15 century when an earthquake caused its destruction. All that is left is the foundation and a few pieces.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

This temple was built in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, in honour of the Greek goddess, Artemis. Some historians believe that legendary Amazonian women built it. The Temple was not only destroyed once, but twice, first by a madman who set it on fire. Shortly after it was rebuilt, it was destroyed again during a war in the 3rd Century BC. All that remains today is one single column on a swamp-like piece of land to remind those who visit of the wonder that once stood there.