Stonehenge:
Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument, is the most famous stone circle. Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England. The four rings of stones surround a sandstone slab. The outer ring consists of thirty massive local stones, each connected by stone lintels, reaching a height of 106 feet. The next inner circle is composed of bluestones, much smaller in size and brought from Preseli Hills, Wales. The stones in this ring are horseshoe-shaped. The next inner ring consists of five large trilithons, meaning a large structure consisting of two upright stones and a third one across the top as a lintel. The center ring again consists of horseshoe-shaped bluestones. There is no record of its construction and purpose, but it is presumably a religious site and gathering space. It was likely aligned with the sun for observing celestial events, such as the sun, moon, and stars, and may have been used as a calendar.
The Great Pyramid:
The pyramid in Egypt dates back to 4000 years ago. This man-made structure has given sleepless nights to many archaeologists and engineers about how it could have been built. More than 4000 years ago, without any modern technology or advanced tools, it seems impossible to create such a huge structure. The pyramid symbolizes the ancient Egyptians’ strong belief in the afterlife. The pyramid served as a tomb for the emperor, who built it during their lifetime, filling the tomb chambers with gold and food, along with chambers for offerings to the dead, ensuring an easy afterlife. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built around 4500 years ago, has been the tallest man-made structure for over 3800 years, with an initial height of 481 feet.
The Great Wall:
The Great Wall of China is one of the largest man-made structures in history. It took more than two thousand years to build this wall, which cost the modern equivalent of 360 billion dollars. The Great Wall was constructed to protect the Chinese empire from northern hordes and mountain nomads, and it was the world’s most extensive military fortification, guarded by the largest army in the world. The Great Wall is not just a single wall but a collection of many walls built over many centuries. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a barrier to protect his people, and over the centuries, other rulers continued to add to the wall. However, during the Ming dynasty, the most significant part of the wall was built, using brick and stone instead of rammed earth. The wall served as a highway across the mountains for soldiers to quickly move. Its length is closer to five and a half thousand miles. The wall is regarded as a dragon protecting China by the Chinese people, standing as a source of national pride.
The Ziggurat:
Ziggurat was a religious building in Mesopotamia. The word “Ziggurat” means the holy mountain, resembling a step pyramid ascending high so that humanity can approach the divine. Ziggurat was not only a religious space but also the center of Mesopotamian society because the temple complex served as the center of civic, commercial, and industrial activities.
Ziggurats were built throughout Mesopotamian civilization. The earliest ones had only one flat-topped rectangular platform carrying an upper temple. Later, the number of platforms increased, and by the end of the Babylonian period, a seven-stepped ziggurat became typical. These platforms had buttress stairs ascending to the upper stage from the lower levels. At the top, closer to the gods, was the main shrine where offerings and sacrifices took place. The elevated platforms of ziggurats provided shelter for people during floods. Vegetation on these high platforms made the temples appear like hanging gardens from afar.
The Colosseum:
The Colosseum was the star amphitheater of the Roman Empire. It was said that when the Colosseum falls, Rome shall fall. This statement describes how strong the foundation of the Colosseum was. The engineering of this amphitheater was so sophisticated that some of its techniques are used in modern-day high-rise construction. The Colosseum was unique among ancient buildings. It is an ellipse of 620 feet by 513 feet with 80 arched openings on each floor. The ground floor arcade formed entrances. The arena proper was surrounded by a 15-foot-high wall behind which reserved seats were for the senators, officers, and the imperial throne. Rising from behind were seats for almost 50,000 spectators. The dens of the wild beasts were in the lowest tier. Within the walls of the Colosseum, crucial games took place where gladiators fought for their lives, sometimes against each other and sometimes against wild beasts, to entertain the Romans.
The Parthenon:
The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis in Athens, stands as an iconic symbol of classical Greek architecture and culture. Built in the 5th century BCE under the leadership of Pericles, it was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos but held broader significance as a symbol of Greek civilization and democracy. Designed by Phidias, the temple embodied Greek architectural ideals, featuring a blend of Doric and Ionic orders and optical corrections to enhance its visual appeal. Situated atop the Acropolis, the Parthenon commanded attention with its rectangular floor plan, divided chambers, and meticulously crafted details. Its exterior was adorned with vibrant sculptures depicting Greek mythologies and histories, serving as enduring symbols of ancient Greece and Western civilization. Constructed primarily of marble and limestone, the Parthenon showcased meticulous craftsmanship and precision. Its interior housed chambers dedicated to Athena and featured elaborate Ionic columns, supporting sculpted entablatures and friezes depicting various scenes from Greek mythology and history. The Parthenon’s significance extended beyond its religious function, serving as a testament to Greek culture and democracy. Despite facing damage over the centuries, it remains a symbol of resilience and enduring legacy, captivating visitors with its beauty and historical significance.