Think of the “Wonders of the World” like a global bucket list of jaw-dropping places you’d want to visit at least once in your lifetime. These places are where human creativity and genius have truly brightened, from the ancient wonders that still live rent-free in our minds to the modern marvels that are molding the world we live in today.
Before diving into a specific wonder, the background story on the wonders and their evolution over time should be acknowledged.
In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation conducted a global poll to craft a list of the wonders of the 21st century. From the Great Wall of China to Chichen Itza in Mexico, these new wonders represent some of the most culturally significant monuments and structures.
This list was inspired by the original list by ancient Greek writer and engineer Philo of Byzantium. “On The Seven Wonders” was written in 225 B.C.E. and chronicles the many magnificent wonders of Philo’s world at that point. The original list contains seven wonders:
- The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Iraq
- The Statue of Zeus at Olympia in Greece
- The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in Turkey
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Turkey
- The Colossus of Rhodes in Greece
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt
Philo chose these original wonders for their remarkable feats of architecture and engineering of their time as well as their ability to capture the ingenuity of people throughout the world’s history.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria has a rich history behind its existence.
This lighthouse, also known as Pharos of Alexandria, is located on the small island of Pharos. It was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and constructed during the reign of his son in around 283 BCE.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was designed and built by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus. The structure was an astonishing feat of its time, standing around 300 feet in height, making it one of the tallest man-made structures in the world at the time.
The lighthouse was built in three tiers: a square bottom with a central core, a cylindrical middle section, and a circular top with a statue of Zeus. As time went by, the God standing on the top would change.
The lighthouse was said to be adorned with white marble and polished bronze, which reflected sunlight during the day and a fire at night, serving as a navigational aid for sailors passing by.
TheLighthouse of Alexandria was constructed to guide ships safely into the harbor of Alexandria, which was one of the most important and bustling ports in the ancient world. Its light could reportedly be seen from miles away, which helped all the sailors around that area to navigate the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean and the entrance to the Nile River.
Philo listed the Lighthouse of Alexandria as one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World due to its incredible height, advanced engineering, and its crucial role in aiding navigation and trade throughout the region. Its ranking as a Wonder of the World is a testament to the admiration it inspired in those who witnessed its brilliance.
Sadly, the lighthouse was eventually destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 14th century, and its remnants have since been submerged beneath the waters of the Mediterranean.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria however can always be remembered as one of the wonders that had an inspiring backstory and whose existence was needed and important for those who lived in the area. What a wonderful story to remember!
