Man-Made Wonders of the World

Description

The **Man-Made Wonders of the World** refer to structures, monuments, and works of architecture that showcase human ingenuity and creativity. The most famous collection is the **New7Wonders of the World**, which was chosen through a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation in 2007. Here’s a list of those wonders along with other iconic man-made feats of architecture and engineering.

### 1. **Great Wall of China (China)**
– **Period:** 7th century BC to 16th century AD
– **Details:** A series of walls and fortifications built to protect China from invasions. It stretches over 13,000 miles and is a marvel of ancient engineering.

### 2. **Petra (Jordan)**
– **Period:** 5th century BC to 2nd century AD
– **Details:** Known for its rock-cut architecture and water management system, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is famous for the Treasury building, carved into red sandstone cliffs.

### 3. **Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)**
– **Period:** Completed in 1931
– **Details:** A massive statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, standing 98 feet tall and with arms outstretched, symbolizing peace and welcoming visitors.

### 4. **Machu Picchu (Peru)**
– **Period:** 15th century AD
– **Details:** An Incan citadel located in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is an architectural wonder with sophisticated dry-stone construction and scenic views. It was lost to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911.

### 5. **Chichen Itza (Mexico)**
– **Period:** 7th century AD to 10th century AD
– **Details:** A major city of the ancient Maya civilization, famous for the pyramid of El Castillo, which was used for astronomical and religious purposes.

### 6. **Roman Colosseum (Italy)**
– **Period:** 70-80 AD
– **Details:** An iconic amphitheater in Rome, capable of seating 50,000 spectators, used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It is an enduring symbol of ancient Roman engineering.

### 7. **Taj Mahal (India)**
– **Period:** 1632-1653 AD
– **Details:** A stunning white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is renowned for its symmetrical design, lush gardens, and intricate detailing.

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### Other Notable Man-Made Wonders

– **Eiffel Tower (France)**: Completed in 1889, this Paris landmark was initially criticized but is now an iconic symbol of France and a feat of iron architecture.

– **Sydney Opera House (Australia)**: Opened in 1973, known for its unique sail-like design, the Opera House is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

– **The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)**: Although not part of the New7Wonders, the Great Pyramid is the only surviving ancient wonder of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

– **The Acropolis of Athens (Greece)**: Home to the Parthenon, this ancient citadel has stood for thousands of years and remains a symbol of ancient Greek culture.

– **Burj Khalifa (UAE)**: Currently the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters, it represents modern engineering and architecture.

These man-made wonders not only celebrate architectural brilliance but also the cultural and technological advancements of their times.