The Original 7 Wonders of the World

Why name new wonders of the world? Most of the original ancient wonders no longer exist. More than 2,000 years ago, many travelers wrote about incredible sights they had seen on their journeys. Over time, seven of those places made history as the "wonders of the ancient world."

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Built: About 2,600 B.C.
Massive tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, the pyramids are the only ancient wonders still standing today.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq
Built: Date unknown
Legend has it that this garden paradise was planted on an artificial mountain, but many experts say it never really existed.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey Built: Sixth century B.C.
This towering temple was built to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt.

Statue of Zeus, Greece Built: Fifth century B.C.
This 40-foot (12-meter) statue depicted the king of the Greek gods.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey
Build: Fourth century B.C.
This elaborate tomb was built for King Mausolus.

Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes (an island in the Mediterranean Sea) Built: Fourth century B.C.
A 110-foot (33.5-meter) statue honored the Greek sun god Helios.

Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt Built: Third century B.C.
The world's first lighthouse used mirrors to reflect sunlight for miles out to sea.

source: nationalgeographic.com