For centuries, people have been awed by remarkable feats of architecture, engineering, and artistry around the world. From the Great Wall of China to the Pyramids of Giza, these structures have captivated our imaginations and sparked our curiosity.

For this reason, the concept of the Seven Wonders of the World was born: a definitive list of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. While there have been various incarnations of this list over time, here are the most commonly agreed-upon Seven Wonders of the World:.

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid in the Giza pyramid complex. Built over 4,500 years ago, it continues to be a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The pyramid stands at over 481 feet tall and was built using over 2.3 million stone blocks. It was originally constructed as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu, and was the tallest building in the world until the 19th century.

2. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a lush oasis that included a series of terraced gardens, exotic flora and fauna, and complex irrigation systems.

Located in the ancient city of Babylon, in what is now modern-day Iraq, these gardens are considered to be one of the most magnificent examples of ancient engineering and horticulture. Although no physical remains have been found, there are numerous descriptions and accounts of the gardens from ancient writings.

3. The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a giant statue of the Greek god Zeus, created by the sculptor Phidias. It stood over 40 feet tall and was made of ivory and gold, with an elaborate throne adorned with precious stones.

The statue was dedicated to Zeus in the Temple of Olympia in Greece, and was renowned as one of the greatest works of ancient Greek art. Sadly, the statue was destroyed in the 5th century AD, and today only a few fragments remain.

4. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a magnificent temple dedicated to the Greek goddess of the hunt and wilderness. This temple was one of the largest Greek temples ever built, and it was decorated with beautiful sculptures and reliefs.

Located in modern-day Turkey, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries before it was finally destroyed by the Goths in the 3rd century AD. Today, only a few columns and fragments remain of this once-great wonder.

5. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a grand tomb built to house the remains of Mausolus, a Persian satrap and ruler of Caria. This tomb was one of the largest and most impressive ever built, and it was decorated with intricate sculptures and reliefs.

Sadly, the tomb was destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 14th century, and today only a few fragments remain. However, the term “mausoleum” has been used ever since to describe grand tombs of this type.

6. The Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive bronze statue of the Greek god Helios, built on the island of Rhodes in Greece. This statue stood over 100 feet tall and was considered one of the greatest works of ancient art.

Sadly, the statue was destroyed by an earthquake in the 3rd century BC, and today only its broken ruins remain. However, the statue’s fame has lived on, and it is still considered one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world.

7. The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of walls, fortifications, and watchtowers that span over 13,000 miles across China. This wall was built over the course of several centuries, and it remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering in history.

The wall was built to protect China from invading forces, and it remains a symbol of Chinese culture and history today.

The Debate Over the Seven Wonders

Although these structures are widely considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World, there is still some debate over what should be included. For instance, some argue that the Taj Mahal in India or Machu Picchu in Peru should be included on the list.

Others argue for more modern wonders like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Nonetheless, the Seven Wonders of the World continue to captivate people’s imaginations and inspire awe and wonder.