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Before Thomas Cook organized his first tour group or Karl Baedeker published his first guidebook, ancient Greek and Roman writers compiled a list of Antiquity's must-see attractions, known as the Seven Wonders of the World. In the 2nd century BC, Antipater of Sidon and another observer (who may have been the mathematician Philon of Byzantinum)
were the best known of those who codified the preeminent architectural and sculptural achievements of the ancient world, all of which were located relatively close to one another in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. Today, only one of these monuments remains, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt (now a World Heritage site), though fragments of others are displayed in the British Museum. Built between 26th and 3rd century BC, primarily to honor gods or rulers, these opulent, enormous structures and statues are better known now through the depictions by ancients that would inspire later lists of the World's Wonders.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Travel back in time and visit these impressive achievements of ancient architecture and sculpture, including:
Subjects: Gods & Rulers
Serving as the main inspiration for many of these structures were the mythological gods, goddesses, and rulers of the time, such as:
Locations
Mainly situated within the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, the original locations of the Seven Wonders often offer glimpses into the lives of ancient civilizations in areas such as:
Wonders of the Modern World
Influenced by the original categorization of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, many have proposed new lists showcasing the engineering feats of modern times, including:
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The terraces of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were roofed with stone balconies on which were layered various materials, such as reeds, bitumen, and lead, so that the irrigation water would not seep through.
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Built in 297 BC, the immense Pharos Lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the construction of the Eiffel Tower.
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Take a tour of the Pyramids at Giza, the only structure from the original list of the Seven Wonders of the World still standing.
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Use Britannica At Home This Summer
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Britannica Enciclopedia Universal Ilustrada
Written for middle school and high school students, the 2006 Britannica Enciclopedia Universal Ilustrada covers all fields of knowledge, including the Arts, Geography, Philosophy, Science, Sports, and much more.
Users will enjoy this reference of 24,000 entries with over 2.5 million words. More than 4,800 images, graphs, and tables further enlighten students and clarify subject matter. This 20-volume set will appeal to both native Spanish speakers and students with its simple A-Z organization and clear descriptions.
Order now for the special pre-pub price of only $199 ($50 off the list price), S&H $19. This offer expires August 15, 2006.
Call Britannica at 1-800-621-3900, email us at contact@eb.com, or go online to www.eb.com/order to place your order now.
You can see other new print and online products in Britannica's
School and Library Catalog
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