The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China refers to a sequence of stone as well as earthen defenses in China that were built, reconstructed, and sustained amid the 5th century BC and the 16th century. These were constructed in order to guard the northern extent of Chinese frontiers throughout the reign of successive dynasties. Amongst the famous wall in this series belongs to the period 200 BC - 220 BC, that was constructed by the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. However, at present its stands in a ruined state as it was much farther north in comparison to the wall constructed by the Ming Dynasty.The entire construction stretches over roughly 6,400 km starting from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west, all along an arc that more or less marks out the southern border of Inner Mongolia, but extends to over 6,700 km in entirety. Over 1 million men are said to have guarded the Ming Wall at its peak.Previous to the use of bricks, the Great Wall was essentially constructed from Earth or Taipa, wood and even stones. For the period of the Ming Dynasty, bricks were greatly employed in many sections of the wall, along with materials inclusive of lime, tiles, and stone. This was primarily because the size as well as the weight of the bricks was easier to work with rather than stone or earth.
Petra in Jordan
Petra refers to an archaeological site in Arabah, Jordan, and is renowned for its rock-cut architecture. It is positioned on the Mount Hor slopes in a basin in the midst of the mountains that become the eastern edge of Arabah (Wadi Araba), which is a huge valley that stretches from the Dead Sea up to the Gulf of Aqaba. John William Burgon’s Newdigate prize-winning sonnet describes it as ‘a rose-red city half as old as time’. In accordance to the Dead Sea scrolls that linked with the Mount Seir, find mention of Pertra as the ancient city named Rekem. In addition to this, Eusebius as well as Jerome emphasize that Rekem was the colloquial name given to Petra. Some scholars are of the view that this site was a capital of the Aramaic-speaking Semites, Nabataeans, as well as the focal point of their caravan trade. This possessed the benefit of a fort as well as controlling the main trade routes owing to the enclosure formed by the gigantic rocks and the continuing water stream around it.
Brazil's Statue of Christ The Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ, situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is 39.6 m tall and weighs 700 tons, placed at the peak of the 700 m Corcovado mountain, Tijuca Forest National Park. It is a symbol of Christianity and an icon of Rio and Brazil. This idea of inception of a large religious monument on Corcovado was proposed by the Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss. Firstly, it was refused by Princess Isabel in 1889, as Brazil became a Republic and the laws stressed on separating the church and state. Then later on second proposal was made in 1921 by Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, who organized an event called Monument Week, in order to collect donations, which resulted in the making this marvelous Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Peru's Machu Picchu
Peru’s Machu Picchu is one of the most intriguing destinations of the world. It offers the magnificent scenery and spectacular views. Divided in to three areas- urban, agriculture and religious, the structures are arranged to match the buildings function with the form of their surroundings. The agricultural terracing take benefits of the natural slopes. Hikers, tourists explain it as a magical experience to glance out from the Funerary Rock Hut on the fields, temples and baths. It is an elegant green paradise.One of the most crucial things about Peru’s Machu Picchu is the intihuatana, a column of stone rising from a block of stone with the size of a grand piano. It basically means “for tying the sun”. The individuals outside the Inca’s closest retainers were aware of Machu Picchu existence. The meaning of “Machu Picchu” is old peak. It was a royal estate, as well as a sacred retreat for many.
Mexico's Chichen Itza Pyramid
Chichen Itza is the most significant city and has become an archaeological site. It is situated 29 km southwest of Valladolid, Mexico. The meaning of its name is “Mouth of the Wells of Itza”, which is derived from the Itza tribe of Maya Native Americans and the two natural wells that supplied water in the city. The cultural, as well as religious life of the city depended upon these wells. The structure type is of the platform pyramid, climbed through broad stairways directing to the vaulted chambers. Its walls are covered with sculptured figures and vivid coloured paintings having a close resemblance to the Aztec codices. Another significant ruin is El Castillo, a huge temple on a pyramidal mound, with staircase on four sides to the temple on the top.
Colosseum In Rome
Colosseum or Coliseum is an important tourist attraction in the modern Italy, that at once point of was a iconic symbol of imperial Rome. This majestic structure was initiated under the Emperor Vespasian and completed under Emperor Titus. This huge Flavian piece of architecture was employed as a venue for gladiatorial battles, mock sea battles, re-enactment of famous battles, animal hunts as well for staging theatrical performances. However, this structure no longer in use during the Medieval Era. It was later on reused for numerous other purposes such as workshops, housing, quarters for a religious order, a quarry, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.In compliance to the Codex-Calendar of 354, the structure of Colosseum could easily seat around 87,000 individuals; however, the modern puts the figure nearby 50,000. The audience was to be accommodated in a tiered arrangement which was clear reflection of the rigid stratified Roman society. To the north as well as the south end, special boxes were constructed for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins respectively that offered a prime view of the arena. Flanking them at the same level was a broad platform or podium for the senatorial class, who were allowed to bring their own chairs. The names of some 5th century senators can still be seen carved into the stonework, presumably reserving areas for their use.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal that aptly denotes a ‘symbol of love’ is a mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal (favorite wife of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan) that is situated in Agra, India. This structure reflects the epitome of Muhgal architecture under Shah Jahan. It incorporates a exclusive blend of Indian, Turkish, Persian as well as Islamic architectural styles. Embellished in white marble quarried from Makrana (Rajasthan), this structure is a spectacle to look at, which had taken about 22 years for construction incorporating a huge force of skilled artisans. It was completed in the year 1648 under the principal designer of Taj Mhal, Ustad Ahmad Lahouri. It is laid out in the chahar-bagh pattern that was employed in the Mughal architecture. The gateway to the Taj Mahal is constructed in red sandstone, and an ideal entrance to this magnificent structure. In fact, it is said that construction of this huge marble structure had depleted the Mughal treasury, giving an economic setback to the Empire
article source:http://www.wondersoftheallworld.com/wonders_of_ancient_world.html
[voice]: All look amazing and it is something I have always wanted to see what they are really like in person before i'm old. Insya Allah.
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