What are the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World?
The 7 Wonders of the Ancient World have intrigued and inspired travellers for centuries. First recorded in Hellenic texts as early as the 2nd century BC, these legendary constructions have captured imaginations across generations. While the original list has evolved over time, the most commonly accepted version dates back to the Renaissance period.
Today, only one of these ancient wonders still exists. Although the New 7 Wonders have since taken their place, the mystery and brilliance of the originals continue to fascinate adventurers and history lovers around the world.
Where were the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
The ancient wonders were scattered across the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, spanning Africa, Europe and Asia. Of the original seven, only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains intact today.
Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the ancient wonders still standing. A marvel of ancient engineering, it sits on the Giza Plateau and has been captivating visitors for thousands of years.
Dating back to the 26th century BC, this is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders. Built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, it is a true testament to the power and ingenuity of ancient Egypt.
Location: Giza Plateau, near Cairo, Egypt. The pyramid is remarkably well-preserved and open to visitors, although access to the interior is limited to a set number of daily tickets.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq
Perhaps the most mysterious of the Seven Wonders, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are believed to have been located in what is now Iraq. However, to this day, no conclusive archaeological evidence has been found to confirm their existence.
Said to have been created by King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC, these multi-tiered gardens were supposedly built to replicate the green mountains of the queen’s homeland.
Location: Near present-day Hillah in Iraq, about 85km south of Baghdad. Despite multiple excavations, the gardens’ remains have never been uncovered.
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Turkey
Dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, this magnificent temple once stood in the ancient city of Ephesus. Destroyed by floods and fires and rebuilt several times, its final version earned its place among the Seven Wonders.
Though only a single column remains today, the temple was once a centre of worship and celebration. A miniature reconstruction can be viewed at Miniatürk Park in Istanbul for those wishing to imagine its grandeur.
Location: Near the modern town of Selçuk, Turkey. Artefacts can be found at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey
Built around 350 BC as the tomb of Mausolus, a ruler of Caria, this lavish monument gave us the word “mausoleum”. With its towering structure and intricate sculptures, it was one of the last wonders to survive, eventually destroyed by a series of earthquakes between the 12th and 15th centuries.
Although the site now contains only foundations, some of the original sculptures can be viewed at the British Museum in London.
Location: In ancient Halicarnassus, now Bodrum, Turkey. Fragments of the structure are preserved in the British Museum.
Statue of Zeus, Olympia, Greece
Created by the renowned sculptor Phidias in the 5th century BC, this grand statue stood over 12 metres tall and depicted Zeus, king of the gods, seated on a majestic throne. Crafted from ivory, gold and precious stones, it was one of the most famous sculptures of the ancient world.
Though the statue has been lost to time, the site of Phidias’ workshop was uncovered in the 1950s, allowing historians to learn more about how this incredible piece was made.
Location: In the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Greece. Visitors can explore the remains of the temple and the site of Phidias’ workshop.
Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt
Once standing over 100 metres tall, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was the tallest structure in the ancient world for centuries. Built in the 3rd century BC, it guided ships into Alexandria’s bustling port by day with reflected sunlight and by night with fire.
Repeated earthquakes eventually caused its collapse. In the 1990s, underwater archaeologists discovered remains in Alexandria’s eastern harbour. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Egyptian maritime heritage.
Location: On Pharos Island, Alexandria, Egypt. The Fort of Qaitbay now occupies the original site and includes stones from the lighthouse’s ruins.
Colossus of Rhodes, Greece
Built in 280 BC, this massive bronze statue of the sun god Helios stood around 33 metres tall. It was erected to celebrate Rhodes’ successful defence against siege and quickly became one of the ancient world’s most admired sights.
Sadly, it collapsed just 54 years later due to an earthquake. The people of Rhodes never rebuilt it, following a warning from the Oracle of Delphi.
Location: Near the ancient harbour of Rhodes. No remains of the statue exist today, but the old town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a popular destination.
Why are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World significant?
These awe-inspiring structures represent the ingenuity, ambition and artistry of early civilisations. They reflect the cultural and technological achievements of the ancient world and continue to serve as symbols of humanity’s shared heritage.
Even though most have vanished, their legacy still shapes our understanding of history and continues to inspire generations of travellers, architects and historians.
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Now that you’ve explored the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which one would you most like to learn more about?
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