The history of the ancient world is interesting and beautiful. It attracts many of our contemporaries. Even after many years, people are interested in the way of life of their ancestors. And, of course, the most famous monuments of the ancient world - the Seven Wonders of the World - arouse curiosity.
Ancient we alth
You can't talk about the ancient world with a couple of words. This is a huge layer of time, which begins in those distant times, when man first appeared, and goes right up to the Middle Ages. During this time, people managed to create a lot. It was then that inventions appeared that are considered to be the most brilliant to this day.
Much of what was created before our era and in the first centuries after the birth of Christ, is of benefit to this day. Any lawyer can talk about the great importance of Roman law, and philologists will talk about the role played by ancient languages that are now considered dead.
It was then that world religions were born. Then they worshiped Zeus and Artemis, then Jesus was born. The wonders of the ancient world are countless. But among them, there are seven main ones.
Seven Wonders of the World
The history of the ancient world would be incomplete without talking about the Seven Wonders of the World. The list has changed over the centuries. But the number remained unchanged. There were always seven of them. The world of ancient people was built around religious beliefs. Therefore, this number was not chosen by chance. Seven is the number of the god Apollo. He was considered the most beautiful of all the gods. He was a patron of the arts. And his number was a symbol of completeness and perfection.
The very first list of the Seven Wonders of the World was created in the III century before the birth of Jesus. It included the most significant architectural monuments that were only created at that time by people. Many miracles of that time have not reached ours.
Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramids are an important part that the history of the ancient world cannot do without. The most famous of them was the pyramid of Cheops. She is recognized as the largest. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine the hellish torments that the slaves experienced during the construction of this wonder of the world. When erecting the pyramid, a mortar was used, which is still stronger and stronger.
No one can say for sure what these grandiose structures were erected for. Previously, it was believed that these were the tombs of the rulers of Egypt - the pharaohs, as well as their spouses. But the researchers were never able to find the remains of the bodies of these important Egyptians. Until now, this wonder of the world gives rise to many questions and mysteries. And the silent Sphinx continues to guard them.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is that wonder of the world of the ancient world that did not survive to ourtimes. Gardens were once the grandest building in Babylon. Now, not far from Baghdad, you can find what is left of them. But some scientists are willing to argue that those ruins are not a reminder of the second largest wonder of the world.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the most romantic gifts not only in the history of the ancient world, but in general in human history. The Babylonian ruler noticed that his beloved wife Amitis was missing her native land. Dusty Babylon did not have those beautiful gardens that they used to enjoy in childhood. And then, so that his wife would not yearn, Nebuchadnezzar II ordered this building to be erected.
Some people think that this is just a beautiful legend. In the writings of Herodotus there was not a word about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. But on the other hand, they are described in detail by Berossus. The history of the ancient world holds many mysteries. And this is one of them.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
The names of the gods of the ancient world remained known after many centuries. Even now, people can talk about the powerful god Zeus. And BC, a new wonder of the world was created dedicated to this patron of the ancient Greeks.
The appearance of the statue and the temple in which it was located is closely connected with the Olympic Games. When they gained fame and began to attract a wide variety of people, it was decided to build a temple dedicated to the father of all gods.
In order to create a statue of Zeus, the famous master Phidias was invited to Athens. From ivory and precious metals, he created a new wonder of the world, glorywhich quickly spread to different lands.
The statue of Zeus from Olympia did not live up to our times. Her troubles began when a Christian, who disliked paganism, took the throne. For a long time it was believed that the statue did not survive the looting of the temple. Centuries later, the remains of a temple and a statue were found. Thanks to these findings, scientists were able to see for themselves and show others this wonder of the world of the ancient world.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Artemis is one of the most famous goddesses of antiquity. She helped women in labor endure pain, was the patroness of hunters. And the inhabitants of the city of Ephesus considered her their protector. To the glory of their goddess, the townspeople decided to erect a temple, which will not be equal. They wanted not only to glorify their city, but also to earn the favor of Artemis.
The temple was built for a very long time. The first architect, Harsiphron, did not have time to see his offspring. His work was continued by his son, and after him by other architects. In the center of the temple was a statue of Artemis. But only what took so long to build was destroyed in a short period of time. Herostratus, who madly wanted to become famous, but did not know how to do it, set fire to the temple. If now this miracle of architecture were intact, then it would surpass everything that has only been built by mankind.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of the most luxurious tombs that has only been invented by man. The mausoleum was named so in honor of the formidable and cruel ruler Mausolus, who was able tomake his lands rich and strong.
The mausoleum was built for a long time. He began to build during the life of Mausolus, but when the ruler died, his tomb was not yet ready. After the death of Mausolus, the mausoleum was supplemented with statues of the gods, who guarded the body of the king and did not allow him to be disturbed. In addition to the gods, in the tomb one could see the statues of Mausolus himself and his beautiful wife Artemisia.
The Mausoleum has added to the list of miracles that have not survived to this day. He survived many wars. But over time, it was dismantled to build Christian churches.
Colossus of Rhodes
Rhodoss is one of the richest cities that went down in history as the birthplace of the sixth wonder of the world. The colossus was the largest structure. He was a tall, strong youth holding a torch over his head. It is in his image and likeness that the Statue of Liberty will be created centuries later.
The Colossus of Rhodes is also on the list of wonders of the world that our generation will not see. The young man's legs could not bear his weight. Therefore, during the earthquake, the statue fell into the water. She lay on the coast for about ten centuries. And only then it was decided to melt down the Colossus.
Alexandria lighthouse
The seven wonders of the ancient world amazed their contemporaries. And people of our time are surprised when they learn about those magnificent creations of the human mind. Lighthouse of Alexandria occupies a worthy place in the list.
It was built in a city named after Alexander the Great. For centuriesthis lighthouse has lit the way for many travelers and merchants. But even this grandiose structure could not survive to our century. It was destroyed by nature itself. The lighthouse did not survive the strongest tremors. Only at the end of the last century, scientists were able to show what that wonder of the world looked like.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is something that will always attract people's attention. Until now, these human creations are surrounded by mysteries. And it is unlikely that all questions will ever be answered.
