From Giza to Rio de Janeiro, these sights will inspire your next historical vacation.
and thats precisely why theyre called the Wonders of the World.
A new list emerged in the Middle Ages, compiled from those references and other ancient Greek writings.
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Many of the ancient wonders sites no longer exist.
Then, in 2000, the Switzerland-based organizationNew7Wonders Foundationstarted a campaign to create a new list of wonders.
These include sites you likely know, like the Great Wall of China andMachu Picchu.
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But do you know the wonders that preceded them?
We’ve combined both lists here, to give you a full and wonderful picture.
The gardens allegedly were a lush paradise, with plants dripping from walls some 75 feet high.
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The statuewas lostwhen the temple was destroyed in 426 CE.
It was destroyed by the Goths in 262 CE and was never reconstructed.
However, small fragments still exist, which can be viewed in theBritish Museum.
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Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is another ancient giant from what is now modern-day Turkey.
It was likely destroyed in a 13th-century earthquake.
Some fragments still sit in the British Museum.
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It was also allegedly paired with a massive statue representing either Alexander the Great or Ptolemy I Soter.
The lighthouse stood until the 12th century but was later replaced by a fortress.
See it for yourself bypurchasing a ticket and scheduling a visit.
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The Colosseum
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The Colosseumremains Romes top attraction.
Built in the first century by Emperor Vespasian, the massive theater spans 620 by 513 feet.
Travelers in Rome can tour what remains of the Colosseum bybooking advance tickets.
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It is still a hot attraction, visited by some 10 million people each year.
Construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1648.
The property spans some 42 acres, including its ornate gardens.
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Itremains open to visitorsevery day but Fridays.
A glittering night tour is also bookable, if you’d prefer.
The statue is ninety-eight feet tall, to be exact, and its arms stretch 92 feet wide.
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It was completed in 1931.
Millions of people make the trek to see it each year.
you could too, bybooking your visit here.
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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchuis another archaeological wonder.
The ruins became world famous after explorer Hiram Bingham spotted them with the help of local indigenous people.
In response to demand and to preserve the experience, the local governmentcapped the number of daily visitors.
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This means travelers must book tickets well in advance.
The city was constructed around 600 BCE and became central to Mayan commerce at the time.
The large pyramid structures remain a draw for tourists who want to see the sights and honor Mayan heritage.
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The city includes temples and tombs, along with its most well-known building, The Treasury.
you could visit throughout the week, but becomes especially alive during aglamorous night tour.
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