The TRUE Seven Wonders

[Albericht]

Hey All!

Well, this is my first major post and, in my opinion, not only is this topic one of the most interesting but also one of the most relevant considering that we're nearing the conclusion of the new 7 wonders contest (the winners will be announced on July 7th, 2007). Before I continue, I wish to remind all you guys and girls that haven't voted that there's not much time to do so ... so what are you waiting for... VOTE!!!

Regardless of the outcome of the contest, the following are the monuments and constructions I consider ACTUAL wonders. By "actual" I mean enough reason and majesty to actually be considered a wonder, regardless of whether it's listed among the finalists. For instance, I don't consider Stonehenge to be a wonder, I mean ¡¡¡¡FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!! it's just a bunch of rocks and boulders placed in no obvious order and without much difficulty . Another crappy "wonder" is the Statue of Liberty . Although estetically it is appealing, its historical existence isn't very impressive. I mean, it's a gift from the French during the 19th century, a time in history when making such a monument is relatively easy (compared to the pyramids of Egypt or the Mayan ruins in which you actually wonder "How'd they do that?", the Statue of Liberty is just another ordinary monument). And not to mention the Eiffel Tower … well, I’d rather not comment on that, otherwise many French people will start to hate me .

So enough said, I'll begin describing the ACTUAL wonders:




Well, I thought I'd start out with my own culture's wonder and thus one of my favorites . Chichén Itzá is the site in which rests the Pyramid of Kukulkán (the feathered serpent Sun god), the most representative construction of what I consider the greatest and most prominent not much spoken of civilization... the Mayan civilization. Of course some of you may beg to differ, but truly this was THE MOST enygmatic, prominent and intelectually advanced culture (even more so than the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians). Why? Because of their mathematical, astronomical and agricultural development. Some examples of their unexceeding accomplishments include the representation of the number zero (no other civilization considered the zero, so writing numbers was difficult), the precise determination of the planet's revolution (they calculated the length of a year as 365.2424 days and today expert scientists have established it as 365.2422 days missing only by 2 TEN THOUSANDTHS!!! Incredible, isn't it? ) the creation of the most exact calendar to date (yes, even more exact than our modern day calendar. Bet you didn't know that? ) and unbelievably accurate predictions of the solar and lunar eclipses up to the year 2012 (Really, HOW'D THE HELL THEY DO THAT?), which by the way is, (and I don't mean to scare you) according to them, the year of Armaggedon... but don't worry, it's only according to them. Oh wait! Did I mention they haven't failed in their astronomical predictions?! On second thought, I'd better start to ¡¡¡¡PANIC!!!! . In conclusion, the Mayans were such superb astronomers that the main reason I consider the pyramid to be a wonder is because it was designed in such a manner that every spring equinox (here in Mexico, spring begins on March 21st) the sun casts a shadow resembling a serpent on the stairs of the pyramid simbolyzing Kukulkán descending to Earth.




This is also one of my favorite wonders! The Great Wall of China is the most extensive contruction on Earth and at one time it extended approximately 10,000 km (6,200 miles) . Today it only reaches 6,700 km (4,100 miles), but still manages to be quite impressive and maintain its title as the largest man-made structure. Appearing as a long, serpentine dragon, it winds across lands including deserts, grasslands and even mountains. Rumor has it that this construct is so monumental that it can be seen from as far away as the moon . Although these claims have been proven otherwise, it is a fact that a small glimpse of it can be seen from a relatively small distance in space . What makes the Great Wall so wondrous (besides its uncomparable length) is its chronological and historical background surrounding its existence. Chronologically speaking, it is one of the oldest structures (it is believed its construction began in the 5th century B.C.) that still stand, after the pyramids of Egypt, of course (which date back to the year 2560 B.C.). Historically speaking, its original purpose was to unify the people of China and prevent the attack of separatist tribes. It covers a great deal of Chinese dynasties during which it has suffered deconstructions and modifications. Also, it has been made of various materials from its surroundings since it was difficult to send them. Every type of material available at the time was used. From mud and reeds, to the finest mortar bricks ever made.





¡¡¡Absolutely magnificent!!! Without a doubt, this is my favorite wonder and to me is the most awe-inspiring and perfect architectural masterpiece ever built by man. With its entire design made completely of white marble, the Taj Mahal (meaning Crowned Palace) is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic styles. Not only is the Taj Mahal a worthy and dignified architectonic display but it also has a profound raison d'etre (reason to be ). The very existence of the Taj encompasses a unique romantic symbol: the love of the emperor Shah Jahan to his most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Devastated by her death, he was determined to construct a building that would reflect her unconquerable beauty and purity, thus it would serve as a mausoleum so glorious and majestic to earn the right of keeping her body . The Taj deserves the title of True Wonder because it is perhaps the only building with PERFECT symmetry ( believe it or not, every detail of the building is a mirror image, the only disruption of such perfection is the tomb of Shah Jahan, since Mumtaz's tomb is placed in the precise center and her husband's is next to hers ).




The Colosseum (originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre) is widely known throughout the world as an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture. Emperor Vespasian began its construction around the years 70 and 72 A.D. Its principle purpose was to host the famous gladiatorial contests, although other public spectacles such as animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, dramas of classical mythology and executions were also part of the performances held there . It was capable of seating 45,000 to 50,000 spectators and although it is in a severely ruined condition (due to earthquakes ) it has managed to withstand the test of time and is still standing to receive global admiration. As I have a already mentioned, this collosal monument is the most illustrious surviving testimony of the greatest empire ever known. It has endured nearly 2,000 years of natural disasters proving its architectural majesty and thus deserving recognition as a wonder.




Petra is an archaeological site in Jordan which served as the capital of the Nabateans, founders of Petra. The name Petra comes from the greek word meaning "rock" and it is exactly the word to describe it because Petra is located in a vast mountainous area and many stone structures have been carved unto them. Petra is composed of many buildings and structures, yet only two are truly splendorous. The Monastery is the largest monument (depicted in the image above), yet Al Khazneh (The Treasury) is the most elaborate ruin, hidden between a natural geological feature, a narrow gorge, formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks and serving as a waterway. Excavations have demonstrated that it was the ability of the Nabateans to control the water supply that led to the rise of the desert city, therefore creating an artificial oasis. The area is visited by flash floods and archaeological evidence demonstrates the Nabateans controlled these floods by the use of dams, cisterns and water conducts. Thus, stored water could be employed even during prolonged periods of drought. The thought of imagining this site as a remarkable unprecedented oasis is its appeal as a wonder.




Built between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II to serve as his personal mausoleum, the principal temple of the Angkorian region in Cambodia, Angkor Wat, is a most elegant display of architecture in harmony with Hinduist philosophical teachings and ideals. With walls nearly half a mile long on each side, Angkor Wat grandly portrays the Hindu cosmology, with the central towers representing Mount Meru, home of the gods; the outer walls, the mountains enclosing the world; and the moat, the oceans beyond. There is a traditional theme of identifying himself with the gods, and his residence with that of the celestials. The measurements of the temple and its parts in relation to one another have cosmological significance. Suryvarman had the walls of the temple decorated with bas reliefs depicting not only scenes from mythology, but also from the life of his own imperial court. Because of the deep influence of religion and mythology in the atmosphere of the temple and its profound symbolization and meaning, it is a work destined to be a wonder.




The Neuschwanstein Castle is a superb fortification that emanates excellence and prestige . Well, what can I say? The only reason I consider this castle a wonder is because it's the best preserved and astonishing castle I've ever seen! And the landscape is most definitely a PLUS!!!!


So finally I've enlisted what I consider should be the new definite seven wonders. Of course, I've given my reasons to why for each of them and I'd like to hear the opinions of others. So come on, let's get this forum started!!!!! Oh! By the way, do vote for Chichén Itzá. If you've already voted, then simply vote again. It really deserves a spot among the seven wonders!!!

[The_Vandhaal]

Great Post Albericht !!!

wow indeed just 43 days and 4 hours left for voting

http://www.new7wonders.com


wait a minute....hmm we get a lot of 7 wonders lists now

http://wonderclub.com/AllWorldWonders.html

for me those ancient wonders also still be wonders ( like for example the hanging gardens and and all that stuff)



So the above will stay wonders for me forever

Awesome post Albericht

perfect topic for all aom lovers

[Urgwaine]

imo The Netherlands should be there too lol, we live below sea level

A Frenchmen once said:

"God created everything, except The Netherlands, because the Dutch created that"

Oh, and I think we shouldn't stop with 7, because there are way more Wonders of mankind

[The_Vandhaal]

[Roman_Hersir]

[El Flesh]

It's in an entirely obvious order. At summer and Winter solstice, Sun shines through in a straight line. It's like a giant Calendar and Astronomy tool at once.

It makes perfect sense. The people of the past had no other intellectual pursuits that were so precise and so measurable as Astronomical phenomena - movements of the planets (although they saw them as wandering stars) and movement of Sun through the "special" constellations -the Zodiac.

By the way, as I have already mentioned, your zodiac "sign" is defined as the sign in which the sun rested on the date of your birth.
Given that the system was invented by the Babylonians some 4000 years ago, the Solar System has drifted through the Galaxy in the intervening time. And so Zodiac signs are now out of whack by often one and sometimes TWO whole signs. Check your birthdate gainst an actual Astronomy software to see what your true Zodiac sign is.

Shit. Guess that proves Astrology wrong, eh??