8 Wonders of the World, Know All the Names [Current Affairs]

The concept of the Seven Wonders of the World has long captivated the imagination of people worldwide, showcasing remarkable feats of human achievement and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. However, recent developments have expanded this illustrious list to include an eighth wonder, Angkor Wat, situated in the heart of Cambodia. Let’s embark on a journey to explore these extraordinary wonders that continue to inspire wonder and admiration.

Which is the Eighth Wonder of the World?

Angkor Wat, nestled in the center of Cambodia, has recently been honored with the esteemed designation as the eighth wonder of the world, outshining Italy’s Pompeii. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as the largest religious structure globally, showcasing not only architectural excellence but also profound cultural significance. With the addition of Angkor War, the list of wonders has expanded to include not just seven, but eight wonders of the world.

Angkor Wat, the Eighth Wonder of the World

Angkor Wat, now hailed as the eighth Wonder of the World, has surpassed Italy’s Pompeii in recognition, a notable achievement considering Pompeii’s popularity among tourists. The designation of ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ is typically bestowed on new constructions, projects, or exceptional designs. This title has now been conferred upon Angkor Wat, an extensive temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site, displacing Pompeii. Attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors each year, Angkor Wat holds the distinction of being the largest religious monument worldwide. Initially erected as a Hindu temple in honor of Lord Vishnu, it later underwent a significant transformation into a prominent Buddhist temple. One of its remarkable features is the statue of an eight-armed Vishnu, revered by locals as their guardian deity.

8 Wonders of the World, Name and Location

These wonders come from different times and places, but they all grab people’s attention because of how special and beautiful they are. They show how incredible humans can be, making things that leave us amazed and inspired. Here is the list of “Eight Wonders of the World” with their location:

8th Wonder of the World
S. No.	Wonders	Location
1.	Great Wall of China	China
2.	Chichen Itza	Ma’an, Jordan
3.	Petra	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4.	Machu Picchu	Urubamba Province, Peru
5.	Christ the Redeemer	Yucatan, Mexico
6.	Colosseum	Rome, Italy
7.	Taj Mahal	Agra, India
8.	Angkor Wat	Cambodia

1. Great Wall of China

• Location: Stretches across North China from east to west
• Country: China
• Built in: Construction started in the 7^th century BC
• Built by: Qin Dynasty, Ming Dynasty

The Great Wall of China, spanning approximately 5,500 miles (8,850 km), ranks among the world’s most massive construction projects and considered as one of the world’s seven wonders. Construction commenced in the 7^th century BCE and continued for two millennia. It consists of two parallel walls for significant stretches, along with watchtowers and barracks. Ironically, its efficacy in preventing invasions was limited, leading scholars to suggest it was more of a political symbol than a practical defence.

2. Chichen Itza

• Location: Yucatan
• Country: Mexico
• Built in: 5^th-13^th century
• Built by: Mayo-Toltec Civilization

Chichen Itza, a Mayan city in Mexico, thrived during the 5^th to 13^th century CE is one of the 7 wonders of the world. Influenced by the Toltecs, the Itza Mayans constructed significant monuments, including the iconic stepped pyramid called EI Castillo, towering 79 feet above the Main Plaza. This pyramid’s design, with 365 steps representing the solar year, showcases the Mayans’ astronomical prowess. During equinoxes, the setting sun casts shadows that resemble a serpent descending the north stairway, with a stone snake head at its base.

3. Petra

• Location: Ma’an Governorate
• Country: Jordan
• Built in: 5^th century BC
• Built by: The Nabataean

Petra, also known as Raqmu or the Rose City, is a captivating historical and archaeological marvel in southern Jordan. Founded by the Nabataean tribe, it served as a bustling trade hub, strategically located between Jerusalem, Amman, Damascus and the Red Sea. This “City of Roses” is celebrated as one of the 7 Wonder of the World.

4. Machu Picchu

• Location: Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District
• Country: Republic of Peru
• Built in: Construction is believed to be started in 1450-1460
• Built by: Incan Empire

In 1911, Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, an Incan site in Peru, near Cuzco is one of the wonders of the world. Initially mistaken for Vilcabamba, a hidden Incan stronghold from the 16^th-century revolt against the Spanish, Machu Picchu is now recognized as one of the few remarkably preserved pre-Columbian ruins and is counted among the 7 Wonder of the World.

5. Christ the Redeemer

• Location: Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
• Country: Brazil
• Built in: 1922-31
• Built by: Designed by sculptor Paul Landowski and built by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa in collaboration with Albert Caquot

The Christ the Redeemer Statue or Cristo Redentor, stands atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Heitor da Silva Costa in Art Deco style, this 130-foot tall statue is constructed from reinforced concrete and soapstone, weighing 635 tonnes. Financed mostly through contributions, it offers breathtaking views of Rio from the Peak of Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park.

6. The Colosseum

• Location: Rome
• Country: Italy
• Built in: Commissioned around A.D. 70-72
• Built by: Emperor Verpasian of the Flavian dynasty

The Colosseum, formally known as the Flavian Amphithreatre, grace Rome. Titus, Verpasian’s son, unveiled it in AD 80, hosting 100 days of thrilling games featuring gladiators and beasts. An iconic Wonder of the World, though two-thirds of the original structure is gone, it remains a top tourist destination.

7. Taj Mahal

• Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
• Country: India
• Built in: 1632-53
• Built by: Emperor Shah Jahan

Agra, India houses the Taj Mahal, a stunning marble mausoleum which is among the seven wonders of world, showcasing exquisite Mughal architecture. Constructed by Shah (resigned 1628-58) in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it’s hailed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Over 20,000 artisans, guided by skilled architects, dedicated their expertise to this remarkable project.

8. Angkor Wat

 

Location: Siem Reap

Country: Cambodia

Founded: 12^th Century

Angkor Wat, located in Cambodia, recently earned the title of “8^th Wonder of the World.” Angkor Wat, spanning 162.6 hectares in Cambodia, stands as the Guinness World Records’ largest religious structure. Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it evolved into a “Hindu-Buddhist” temple in the 12^th century. Admired for grandeur, harmonious design and extensive bas-reliefs, it symbolizes the 8^th Wonder of the World with its sacred history and architectural splendor.  Angkor Wat, an expansive temple complex situated in northern Cambodia, was initially constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu during the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Dynasty. However, in the latter part of the 12th century, it underwent a transformation into a Buddhist temple. Presently, it is acknowledged as a Hindu-Buddhist Temple, and spanning approximately 400 acres, it holds the distinction of being the world’s largest religious monument.