Selects: How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Work, Part I
From the towering Great Pyramid of Giza to the elusive Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World left an indelible mark on history. On this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into the architectural marvels that made this renowned list, examining their construction, longevity, and enduring legacy.
They investigate the intricate engineering behind the Great Pyramid's massive scale and structural integrity. The hosts also explore the enigmatic Hanging Gardens, debating historical accounts and analyzing potential clues to their existence. As they outline the list's origins, Clark and Bryant provide insights into the ancient Greek perspectives that shaped these architectural icons.
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The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders were awe-inspiring structures celebrated for their architectural and engineering feats in the ancient Mediterranean. As Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explain, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Colossus of Rhodes were iconic structures included on this must-see list compiled by ancient Greek historians and tourists.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder significantly intact, is an enormous limestone and granite structure covering over 13 acres. Chuck Bryant notes its original 455-foot height and resilience through earthquakes and looting. Archaeologists debate whether the pyramid was completed due to its lack of expected decorative elements, though Josh Clark suggests its impressive scale and structural integrity exemplify skilled engineering.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens' existence is controversial, with ancient sources omitting mention of them. As Josh Clark highlights, the lack of primary evidence has led many historians to doubt their reality. However, Chuck Bryant points out a possible location and evidence of an advanced irrigation system in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh that could represent the mythical Gardens.
Compiling the Seven Wonders
The Seven Wonders list gradually emerged from Greek authors and tourists documenting remarkable architectural achievements over centuries. Diodorus of Sicily is believed to be the first to formally compile the list, though Greek cultural biases and accessibility likely influenced site selection. As Wonders were destroyed, debates arose about the definitive list composition.
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Counterarguments
- The assertion that the Great Pyramid of Giza's lack of decorative elements suggests it may not have been completed could be countered by the argument that its design may have intentionally been minimalist or that any decorative elements could have been removed or eroded over time.
- While the Hanging Gardens of Babylon's existence is controversial, some scholars argue that the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, suggesting that the Gardens could have existed but that the evidence has not survived or has not yet been found.
- The idea that the list of the Seven Wonders emerged gradually could be challenged by suggesting that there may have been a more deliberate and formalized process in creating the list than the text implies.
- The claim that Diodorus of Sicily was the first to compile the list could be contested by pointing out that other historians may have made similar lists before him, but their works have not survived to the present day.
- The suggestion that Greek cultural biases and accessibility influenced the selection of the Seven Wonders could be nuanced by considering that these factors are inherent in any historical or cultural compilation and that they may have been less about bias and more about the practicalities of travel and knowledge during the period.
- Debates about the definitive composition of the Seven Wonders list could be seen not only as a result of the destruction of the Wonders but also as a reflection of changing cultural values and understandings of what constitutes a "wonder" throughout history.
Actionables
- Explore the engineering marvels of today by visiting local landmarks and structures, taking note of their design, materials, and history to gain a deeper appreciation for modern architectural achievements, similar to how the ancients admired the Seven Wonders.
- Create a visual representation of the Seven Wonders using recycled materials or digital design tools to better understand the scale and complexity of these ancient structures, which can also serve as an educational tool for others.
- Engage in a creative writing exercise where you imagine and describe a new "Wonder" based on current or future architectural trends, considering how cultural biases and accessibility might influence the selection, just as they did in ancient times.
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Overview of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were a compilation of awe-inspiring structures celebrated for their architectural and engineering feats in the Mediterranean.
The Seven Wonders were a list of must-see sites for ancient Greek tourists, compiled by historians like Diodorus of Sicily.
The list included iconic structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Colossus of Rhodes.
The Seven Wonders are historically significant must-see sites for ancient Greek tourists, and these include the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Colossus of Rhodes. These structures, along with others on the list, were consistently highlighted for their astonishing architectural and engineering feats across the ancient Mediterranean world.
Antipater of Sidon is one of the ancient voices who described the wonders. He poetically mentioned "the walls of sun-touched Babylon," "the statue of the lordly Zeus," "the ...
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Overview of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
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Counterarguments
- The list of the Seven Wonders was not exclusively for tourists; it also served as a record of human achievement and was a source of inspiration and competition among Hellenistic kingdoms.
- The compilation of the Seven Wonders is sometimes attributed to various historians and scholars, and there is no definitive evidence that Diodorus of Sicily was the one who compiled it.
- The existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon has not been historically verified and remains a subject of debate among scholars.
- Antipater of Sidon is one of the writers who mentioned the wonders, but the list evolved over time and was not the creation of a single individual.
- The idea that visiting these sites was a matter of pride might be an oversimplification, as travel in ancient times was difficult, dangerous, and not commonly undertaken for leisure by the majority of the population. ...
Actionables
- Create a modern-day wonders journal by documenting impressive local structures or natural formations you encounter in your daily life or on travels, noting what makes them remarkable and how they might be perceived centuries from now. This practice encourages you to appreciate contemporary human ingenuity and the beauty of your immediate environment, much like the ancient Greeks did with their wonders.
- Organize a themed photo collection by capturing images of architectural and engineering marvels in your city, then share them online with a brief write-up on their historical significance or design uniqueness. This activity not only enhances your photography skills but also spreads awareness of the ingenuity surrounding us, akin to how ancient wonders were celebrated.
- Engage in a creative writing exercise where you ...
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Detailed discussion of the Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders, remains a significantly intact monument, captivating experts and onlookers for its resilience and mystery.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders that still exists in a significantly intact form.
The pyramid is an enormous limestone and granite structure, standing at 455 feet tall originally and covering a base of over 13 acres.
Chuck Bryant opens the discourse by acknowledging the Great Pyramid of Giza's venerable status as the first among the Wonders of the Ancient World. This pyramid originally reached 455 feet in height and sprawls across an area of over 13 acres, a testament to its ancient grandeur.
Archaeologists debate whether the pyramid was ever fully completed, as it lacks certain decorative elements and evidence of an interment.
During their podcast, they bring up the long-discussed hypothesis that the Great Pyramid of Khufu may have been left unfinished. Reasons speculated include the sudden demise of all involved parties or shifts in political power during a change in dynasty. These factors might explain the absence of expected decorative features and definitive evidence of a burial within the pyramid.
Despite earthquakes and looting over the centuries, the pyramid has endured due to its impressive scale and structural integrity.
The durability of the Great Pyramid of Giza seems unpacked by Chuck Bryant as he mentions its survival of a 14th-century earthquake, a disaster ...
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Detailed discussion of the Great Pyramid of Giza
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Counterarguments
- While the Great Pyramid of Giza is indeed the most intact of the Seven Wonders, some might argue that it is not the only one with significant remains; for instance, the foundation and some partial structures of the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus still exist.
- The original height of the pyramid is often stated as 455 feet, but there is some debate among experts, with estimates varying slightly due to the erosion and the loss of the outer casing stones.
- The debate over whether the pyramid was completed might be expanded to consider that the lack of decorative elements and evidence of interment could also be due to later removal rather than incompletion.
- The pyramid's endurance is remarkable, but attributing its survival solely to scale and structural integrity might overlook other factors such as the pyramid's geographical location, which is less prone to natural disasters compared to other regions.
- While skilled engineering undoubt ...
Actionables
- Explore the principles of durability in your own DIY projects by choosing high-quality materials and researching ancient construction techniques. When you're working on a home improvement task or crafting something, take a cue from the pyramid's longevity by selecting materials known for their durability. For example, if you're building a bookshelf, opt for hardwood over particleboard, and use joinery techniques that have stood the test of time, like dovetail or mortise and tenon, which you can learn about through online tutorials.
- Use the concept of scale to create a personal garden that mimics the grandeur of the pyramids on a miniature level. Start by designing a garden layout that incorporates triangular shapes or tiered planting areas, which can give a sense of grandeur and structure. You might plant a mix of flowers, shrubs, and small trees to create layers of height and texture, much like the varying blocks of the pyramid, ensuring that your garden has a strong foundation and can withstand various weather conditions.
- Apply the idea of practical utility from his ...
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Examination of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and whether they existed
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of history's most enigmatic Wonders, is shrouded in mystery, with historians and archaeologists debating its very existence.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the more controversial entries on the list of Seven Wonders.
There is a significant lack of historical evidence confirming if the Hanging Gardens actually existed in the city of Babylon. Prominent ancients historians, including those who lived during or nearer to the supposed time of the Gardens, make no mention of them in their extant works.
Some scholars speculate the gardens may have been located in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant discuss the possible misattribution of the Gardens' location. A structure that might be the Gardens, as they are traditionally envisioned with their advanced irrigation system and extensive flora, has been discovered in Nineveh, the Assyrian capital in northern Iraq. This location, featuring notable water screws capable of bringing water to elevated gardens, suggests a possible real-world counterpart to the legendary terraced gardens of Babylon.
The lack of primary sources definitively confirming the Hanging Gardens' existence has led many historians to doubt whether this Wonder was real or just a legendary tale.
Josh Clark highlights the problematic nature of the historical record, where even Nebuchadnezzar, a ruler who would be credited with the construction of such an architectural feat, has left numerous inscriptions and records without any mention of the Gardens. The absence of primary evid ...
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Examination of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and whether they existed
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Counterarguments
- The absence of direct historical evidence does not necessarily mean the Hanging Gardens did not exist; it could indicate that relevant documents have been lost, destroyed, or not yet discovered.
- Ancient historians may have omitted mention of the Hanging Gardens for various reasons, such as political bias, lack of personal knowledge, or because their works that did mention the Gardens did not survive to the present day.
- The identification of the Gardens with Nebuchadnezzar might be a later historical misattribution, and they could have been built by another ruler or during a different time period.
- The discovery of a structure in Nineveh with advanced irrigation could suggest that similar technology was available and used in Babylon, which could support the existence of the Gardens there.
- The legendary status of the Hanging Gardens could have been based on a real location that was exaggerated or romanticized over time, rather than being entirely fictional.
- The focus on primary sources may overlook the value of secondary or tertiary accounts, which could provide indirect evidence or support the existence of the Gardens through cultural transmission.
- The debate over the existence of the Hanging Gardens often r ...
Actionables
- You can explore the concept of historical skepticism by starting a book club focused on historical mysteries. Gather a group of friends or join an online community interested in history. Choose books that delve into historical controversies and mysteries, much like the debate over the Hanging Gardens. Discuss the evidence presented by authors, compare it to the podcast's assertions, and debate the likelihood of different historical claims being true.
- Enhance your critical thinking skills by creating a "Historical Detective" game for family or friends. Use the Hanging Gardens as a case study. Create clues based on different historical theories and evidence, and challenge players to decide what they believe to be true. This game encourages participants to weigh evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed decisions, mirroring the process historians use.
- Engage with history through art by painting or sketching your interpretation of the Hangi ...
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The history and compilation of the list of the Seven Wonders
The list of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was a product of fascination and curiosity among the Greeks about the architectural achievements of their time. The Seven Wonders were gradually assembled by ancient Greek authors and tourists over several centuries.
The list of the Seven Wonders was gradually assembled by ancient Greek authors and tourists over several centuries.
The first known compilation
Diodorus of Sicily is believed to be the first historian to compile the list of the Seven Wonders, drawing from previously established writings.
Greek cultural biases and accessibility
The selection of sites included in the list of Seven Wonders was likely influenced by Greek cultural biases and the accessibility of the locations to Greek travelers. The Greeks were avid tourists and explorers, and their interest in documenting these remarkable creations was closely tied to their own cu ...
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The history and compilation of the list of the Seven Wonders
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Counterarguments
- The assertion that Diodorus of Sicily was the first to compile the list may be contested, as there is evidence that other historians like Herodotus and Callimachus of Cyrene may have made earlier contributions to the concept of the Seven Wonders.
- While Greek cultural biases certainly played a role, it could be argued that the list also reflects a broader Mediterranean-centric view, as the wonders are not limited to Greek territories but include achievements from various cultures around the Mediterranean basin.
- The idea that the list was influenced by the accessibility of the locations to Greek travelers might be oversimplified, as some wonders, like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, were located in regions not frequently visited by Greeks, suggesting that the list also incorporated wonders known through second-hand accounts.
- The notion that the list has remained a symbol of human ingenuity and architectural prowess could be seen as Eurocentric, considering that it excludes numerous architectural and engineering achievements from other parts of the world that were unknown to the Greeks.
- The concept of "Seven Wonders" itself could be criticized for being arbitrary, as the number seven was chosen for its sy ...
Actionables
- Create your own list of wonders by exploring and documenting unique architectural sites in your local area. Start by researching historical buildings, bridges, or monuments near you, and visit them to take photos and notes about their history, design, and significance. Share your findings on a blog or social media to inspire others to appreciate the architectural heritage around them.
- Engage with your cultural heritage by visiting a museum or historical society to learn about the architectural achievements from your region's past. Take a sketchbook or camera with you to capture elements that you find fascinating, and create a personal scrapbook or digital album that reflects your cultural biases and interests, similar to how the Greeks documented their wonders.
- Foster curiosity in younger generations by organizing a ' ...
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