The 7 New Wonders of the World: Ranked

You may have heard of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, including the Pyramids and the Hanging Gardens. However, over the course of history many of them, such as the Colossus of Rhodes, or the Statue of Zeus, have been destroyed. This has led to a new list of wonders being constructed, but one that is not taught very often or even known at all. This list will detail which are the most wonderful of all the wonders. Before getting into the list, remember that this is my opinion and that all of these sites are very impressive in their own right. Hopefully, you will learn something, and maybe even consider going to see some of these sites one day. The first entry of our list is:

7. Chichen Itza – Mexico

This site is pictured in the top left of the image and sits at #7 on the list. Remember, that even though this Mayan temple is ranked lowest, it is still a “Wonder” for a reason. This area was once the largest city of the Mayan people, the group that was advanced enough to even create a calendar. The temple which is shown in the picture is very impressive, and it is known as El Castillo. This pyramid very clearly shows the Mesoamerican style, and it is still very much intact, a very impressive feat. Definitely a place that you might want to visit if you are interested in Mesoamerican history.

6. Petra – Jordan

This image is just above the Colosseum, to the left. This city is known as “The Rose City.” Petra was built some 2,000 years ago, but it was only truly rediscovered in the early 1800s, with many of the buildings still found in excellent condition. Touring the city reveals a vast history of a desert people known as the Nabateans. The Romans eventually conquered the area, but it was basically abandoned by 330 A.D., due to some earthquakes ravaging the area. What gives this place its reputation is the sheer beauty of the city, with the site almost feeling like a work of art. It is also very mysterious, as only half of the city has been explored at this point by archeologists. This place is certainly Jordan’s top tourist site for a reason.

5. Machu Picchu – Peru

Machu Picchu is pictured just under the statue of Jesus. This site, much like Chichen Itza, was built by ancient Mesoamerican people. This one, however, was built by the Incan people, who dominated South America until they were conquered by the Spanish. This citadel-like area is thought to have been built as an estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. What puts this site above the previous two is definitely just how well it blends with the natural landscape around it, making it that much more beautiful and stunning. Looking at any picture of the city will show you this, but seeing it in person must be that much more spectacular, with the sprawling mountains and rivers surrounding this amazing historical site. If you ever go to Peru, make sure to travel here!

4. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil

Christ the Redeemer is a nearly 100 feet tall statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Built on top of a mountain, Jesus spreads his arms out wide, overlooking the city. The impressive detail of the expression of Christ’s face, as He gives a benevolent look, almost protecting and consoling the city, makes for a truly beautiful and emotional image. The grandeur of this statue contributes to its high placing on this list. It is massive, it is well-placed, and it is truly a wonder.

3. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a shining example of the architecture of the very advanced Indian world. Commissioned in the 1600s by emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his favorite wife, the beautiful marble temple was completed in a little over just 10 short years. Shah Jahan’s own tomb also sits within the Taj Mahal, along with a mosque. The symmetry of the building as you look at it from the outside is stunning, as well as the incredible rounded dome at the top of the structure. It is also covered completely in a beautiful white marble, giving the building a luster and beauty that truly makes it a wonder to look at. 

2. The Colosseum

Ancient Rome is probably my most favorite period of history to study, and the Colosseum is a testament to their long reign and influence. Built and named the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was the site of huge gladiatorial battles, of which the Romans were very fond. The Colosseum could seat an estimated 50,000 people, a huge number which rivals a modern sports stadium. In essence, this was a sports stadium of the ancient world, and the fact that it is still standing today, albeit having deteriorated slightly, is very impressive. What more do I have to say about it? You already know that this structure is impressive, but it loses out in my mind to #1…

1. Great Wall of China

The clear winner of the #1 spot on my list is the over 13,000-mile super wall that would make even Donald Trump jealous. Built during an over 1,000 year period, this is certainly the most technologically impressive structure on this list, just because of its sheer size. It is one of the most incredible feats of human achievement, to be able to build such a massive structure. Did it really keep any enemies out? Maybe not but there is no question that this wall is impressive. The distance between Florida and Washington State is just shy of 3,000 miles, not even close to the Great Wall’s monstrous length. While it may only be my humble opinion, I feel that out of all of these new 7 Wonders of the World, the Great Walls stands atop all of them as the most impressive of all.