APPENDIX N
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

1 The pyramids of Egypt

Constructed between 2700 and 2500 B.C., the pyramids are the last surviving structures of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The largest of the pyramids, which rises over 137 meters (450 feet), was built as a tomb to house the body of Pharaoh Khufu. Historians believe that it must have taken over twenty years to build with over 100,000 slave laborers.

2 The gardens of Semiramis at Babylon

The existence of these gardens is reputed, but according to fable they existed around 600 B.C. They are said to have been outside on a brick terrace 23 meters (75 feet) above the ground, encompassing an area of 37 square meters (400 square feet).

3 The statue of Zeus at Olympia

Constructed around 450 B.C. by the sculptor Phidias, this 12-meter (40-foot) high statue is of an ivory Zeus wearing a robe of gold, seated atop a throne. In his right hand was Nike, his messenger and a symbol of victory, in his left hand was the scepter signifying his rule over the gods and humankind, and atop his head was a wreathed crown.

4 The temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Built around 550 B.C. to celebrate the goddess of the hunt, this temple was one of the largest in ancient times. Beneath its tile-covered roof were rows of columns believed to be more than 12 meters (40 feet) high, leading to a marble sanctuary. The original temple was destroyed by fire in 356 B.C., but another temple was built on the same foundation. This temple was also burned, but the foundation still remains. Remnants of the second temple can be found at London's British Museum.

5 The mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Located in southwestern Turkey, this enormous white marble tomb was contructed to house the body of Mausolus, a king of Persian Empire. It was constructed around 350 B.C. by the Greek architects Satuyrus and Pythius and became so well known that the term mausoleum was created to signify any large tomb. An earthquake in the 15 ^th century caused significant damage to the tomb, which was eventually disassembled. Several of its exterior sculptures can be seen in London's British Museum.

6 The Colossus at Rhodes

Constructed around 200 B.C. by the Greek sculptor Chares, this 36-meter (120-foot) bronze statue was meant to honor the sun god Helios and celebrate the unity of the city-states of Rhodes. The statue was hollow, supported by stone blocks and iron bars inside its frame. It was destroyed by an earthquake only fifty-six years after its completion.

7 The Pharos (lighthouse) of Alexandria or the Walls of Babylon

This lighthouse, completed near 270 B.C., was, at the time, one of the tallest buildings in the known world. Standing over 122 meters (400 feet) high, it guided sailors to the shores of Alexandria, then ruled by King Ptolemy II.

APPENDIX N Seven Wonders of the Ancient World