Through the ages, humanity has achieved incredible feats of artistry, engineering, and design. These wonders of antiquity have been around for centuries, if not millennia, and they remain examples of beauty and grandeur. From the marble facades of the Parthenon to the iconic shape of the Great Pyramid of Giza, these masterpieces have stood the test of time and continue to amaze us today. Come and explore the Wonders of Antiquity and marvel at the architectural wonders of the past.
1. Antiquity’s Astonishing Achievements
The achievements of antiquity dot the historic landscape of our world in awe-inspiring fashion. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the humbling Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the many beautiful temples and monuments left behind all tell a story of ambitious engineering and architectural ingenuity. But antiquity was equally impressive in different fields, such as philosophy and medicine.
The works of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates, amongst others, created a revolutionary shift in the way we viewed the world and inspired people to think far beyond the limitations of their own time. Similarly, Hippocrates advanced the field of medicine with unprecedented insight, introducing vital concepts such as the Hippocratic oath, and pioneering the scientific approach in the study of illness.
Long before the printing press, the earliest civilizations achieved something incredibly difficult: they wrote and kept records of their thoughts and ideas, something that would prove invaluable to humankind for centuries afterwards. From literature, to science, to the wonders of philosophy and beyond, antiquity’s knowledge is something that will stand the test of time.
One could not do justice to antiquity’s accomplishments without mentioning the immensity of its accomplishments in mathematics. From the numeric system and algebra, to trigonometry and geometry, the attainments of the past laid the groundwork for modern technologies.
2. Ancestors of Modern Architecture
Ancient Greek architecture marked the birth of classical architecture, which still heavily influences modern architecture today. The use of regular divisions of space, and the balanced order of columns on either side of a facade, were born in the rich decorative language of the ancient Greeks.
The Romans maintained the formal order of the Greeks, but imposing a more structural approach to their designs, including the use of the arch. As roads spread far and wide across the Roman Empire. It was the Roman use of cement that allowed greater freedom and creativity to develop, inspiring many architectural features that are now known as Italianate elements, including:
- Breakthroughs in engineering, which allowed for high arches, domes, and vaulting.
- Modular design, in which architecture scaled with the authority granting it.
- The continued use of Greek orders, and the integration of the classical Roman style.
The gothic, arising in the 12th century, was an attempt to mimic the natural forms of plants and animals. It was the grand scale, religious symbolism, and energetic forms of the Gothic era that changed architecture. It featured pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, stained glass and tracery, and spires.
The Renaissance brought a revolutionary focus on the interior. This period was marked by a classical rediscovery of antiquity with an emphasis on logic and symmetry. This period established the basic classical forms that endure today in many of our modern public squares and buildings.
3. Ancient Wonders Around the Globe
The world is full of natural wonders, but the ancient wonders crafted by human hands still awe us today. From incredible tombs to magnificent monuments, these must-see places will make your trip of a lifetime!
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon, located in modern-day Iraq, these gardens may have been built by Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Amutope. The terraces are both a masterpiece of engineering and a breathtaking sight.
- Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the only ancient Wonder of the World still standing, is a marvel to behold. Built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in Giza.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, located in modern-day Turkey, was built as a tomb for King Mausolus by his wife Artemisia. The structure was ornately decorated with reliefs and statues and was a sight to behold.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, located in northwestern Greece, was the largest of its kind in the ancient world. It was built by the sculptor Phidias, and was made of gold and ivory.
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey, was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and was built between the 6th and 7th centuries BC.
- Colossus of Rhodes, was built between 304 and 282 BC on the Greek island of Rhodes. It was a bronze sculpture of the god Helios and it was one of the largest statues of the ancient world, standing at over 30 meters tall.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria, located in Egypt, was one of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world. It was built between 280 and 247 BC and was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time, standing at over 100 meters tall.
These ancient wonders still remain to this day, captivating visitors of all ages. Their grandeur, construction, and age inspire a sense of wonder and admiration, and continue to provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.
4. Engineering Marvels of the Past
Human are the testaments to the greatness of our ancestors that remain to us from centuries ago. Here is a list of four achievements that remain impressive to this day:
- Colosseum – located in Rome, this limestone and travertine amphitheater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and opened in AD 80. Today, the Colosseum stands as one of the most famous architectural feats and it has remained structurally sound since its inauguration.
- The Great Wall of China – also known as the Great Barrier, this defensive wall was built and rebuilt from the 6th century BC until the 16th century AD. Spanning an impressive 21,196 kilometres, the Great Wall of China is a testament of dedication and engineering capabilities of those who built it.
- The Taj Mahal – located in Agra, India, the white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. This stunning landmark is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful structures in the world.
- Petra – built by the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BC, Petra is a remarkable city carved out of the sandstone rock of a vast canyon, located in modern-day Jordan. Its impressive tombs, monuments and statues are considered to be true marvels of engineering.
These are a source of inspiration to us today. It is important to remember and honour our ancestors who worked hard to create these incredibly impressive testaments to human ingenuity.
Whether it was used for recreational gatherings, defenses or interment of the dead, the engineering prowess of our ancestors still stands today encased in stone and mortar, awaiting its admirers to come and marvel at how far human engineering has come.
5. Exploring Ancient Architectural Wonders
The world is filled with architectural marvels and no single article could even begin to scratch the surface of grandeur and beauty contained in these. From the ancient wonders of the Babylonian Ishtar Gate to the exquisiteness of the Taj Mahal in India, there is a wealth of antiquity that sparks curiosity in the hearts of travelers. Here are five majestic structures from different parts of the world that offer a sense of wonder to anyone who visits.
Alhambra
Located in Spain, the Alhambra was built in the mid-13th century and stands as a highly-decorated citadel. With luxury palaces, beautiful gardens and details in its architecture that date back to the medieval Moorish period, the fortress is a feastful sight for the eyes. Baths, fountains, towers and a variety of Arab-styled structures are still intact, offering tourists a touch of Middle East beauty.
Parthenon
This 1700-year-old temple is the biggest known structure to ever be raised dedicated to goddess Athena of Athens and stands strongly on the rock of Acropolis. A cultural symbol of Greek ancestry, it bears testimony to the grandeur of the Doric order and whatever is left of the original sculptures. It stands as a marvelous example of Ancient Greek architecture and is well worth a visit.
Angkor Wat
Located in Cambodia, this complex of temples is the largest religious structure in the world. Surrounded by a moat, the sandstone beauty of the temple is renowned across the world. The site dates back to the 12th century and features innovative proportions and sophisticated decorators made of sandstone, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Chichen Itza
- Petra
- Hagia Sophia
These three temples have stood for centuries and continue to stand as icons of art and history. The great pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico is considered to be the most incredible feat of the ancient Mayans. Petra, in Jordan, famous for its red sandstone structures, is believed to have been built by the ruler of the Nabatean in the 6th century BC. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was built in the 4th century and has been a magnificent sight since then, with its mix of Byzantine and Islamic art.
6. Rediscovering the Constructions of the Ancients
With the advancement of technology, researchers are exploring different ways to gain insight into the construction methods of ancient civilisations. From meticulously reconstructed diagrams to imaging with the help of sophisticated software, much has been learnt so far.
- 3D scanners have enabled archaeologists to create accurate models of ancient sites with unprecedented detail.
- Drones have been used to capture aerial views of ruins and to identify hidden architectural features.
- Thermal imaging cameras have been employed to detect different materials and offer indications as to their construction techniques.
Stability analysis is a technology which focuses on the mechanical integrity of the constructions. By understanding the physical characteristics – such as the orientation, dimensions and weight – of the components, researchers can make an educated guess as to their stability at the time of construction.
By creating digital models and reconstructing historic sites virtually, experts can look beyond superficial observations, taking them one step closer to the real life constructions of the ancients.
The wonders of antiquity are a constant reminder of mankind’s ingenuity and strength, demonstrating the amazing heights of architectural achievement achieved by our ancestors. For ages, the feats of the past have inspired people to aim higher and become the architects of their own future. It is these storied structures that have continued to draw us to marvel at the artistry of the past, and may continue to do so for centuries to come.
