Selects: How the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Work, Part II

Examining the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World reveals the incredible artistry and ambition of ancient civilizations.

The statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, crafted by the legendary Greek artist Phidias around 450 BC, exemplifies the grandeur of ancient Greek art and religious devotion.

Colossal Masterpiece of Ivory and Gold

The statue of Zeus, a colossal 50-foot-tall sculpture, was a marvel due to its size and the materials used—ivory and gold instead of the traditional marble. It took Phidias eight years to complete this masterpiece which was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The statue depicted Zeus sitting upright on a throne, holding a statue of the goddess Nike in one hand and a scepter in the other. The immense size was accentuated by the claim that if Zeus stood up, his head would puncture the temple’s roof.

An Ancient Wonder Loses its Spark

Zeus' face held an intimidating or disappointing expression, significantly adding to its impact. Initially placed in a grand temple, the statue was a primary attraction. Unfortunately, it crumbled over time, and tangible descriptions are based on secondhand sources, including depictions on ancient coins. It's believed that the workshop of Phidias, discovered in 1950, contained molds giving clues to the statue’s appearance. The statue was eventually lost in a fire after being moved to Constantinople.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Queen Artemisia commissioned the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus to honor her late husband and brother, King Mausolus, a testament to love and artistic achievement.

Grand Tomb with Cohesive Aestheti ...

A discourse on the diverse nature of ancient wonders reveals a contrast between the functionality and aesthetic purposes they served.

The Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes stands out as a significant structure in ancient times, not just for its imposing height but also for its symbolic importance.

Not Just Tall but Symbolically Significant

Described as the granddaddy of all ancient statues and even larger than the statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Colossus of Rhodes was a majestic figure built in the third century to symbolize the island of Rhodes' successful avoidance of war. Created after the Macedonians withdrew, leaving behind resources, the locals funded and constructed this 110-foot-tall bronze statue using the spoils, much akin in size to the modern-day Statue of Liberty.

Sculptor Charas of Lindos, taking about 12 years, constructed the statue with a skeleton of iron bars, stone columns to ensure its stability, and bronze for the skin. Its grandeur was so notable that it was humorously mentioned in the context of a Jewish merchant buying its scrap metal, which presupposes its eventual destruction and sale for parts.

Structural Exaggerations

Contrary to the famous imagery that has the Colossus straddling the harbor entrance, the podcast contends that this was a logistical and structural impossibility. Ancient statues sought to achieve impressive heights but were constrained by the engineering knowledge and materials of the time, mandating most statues stand upright for stability. The position of the Colossus, as traditionally depicted, would not have been structurally sustainable, with no firm foundation to support such a pose, the necessity to keep the harbor open for trade, and the engineering challenge of reinforcing the ground underneath a straddling Colossus.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was both a marvel of engineering and a functional asset for mariners, making it unique among its fellow ancient wonders.

A Beacon ...

The podcast discusses how several ancient wonders were lost to natural disasters and human activities but have nonetheless left an indelible mark on history through the preservation of their stories and the insights gained from archaeological discoveries.

Natural Disasters and Human Interference

Earthquakes and fires are named as the primary culprits in the destruction of many of the wonders. Specifically, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia may have been removed from its temple—possibly due to Christian interference—before being destroyed in place. The Mausoleum was toppled by an earthquake in the 1400s, while the Lighthouse of Alexandria, built around 280 BCE, survived numerous earthquakes before succumbing to one in 1303 CE.

Destruction Aiding Preservation

Interestingly, the destruction and dispersal of the wonders' remnants have sometimes aided in their preservation. For instance, the earthquake that destroyed the Mausoleum also had a preserving effect on some of its sculptures, which were covered by rubble and hidden from further deterioration or vandalism. These excavated parts, including a large chariot wheel and sculptures believed to be of Artemisia and Mausolus, were uncovered in the 19th century and are now housed in the British Museum.

Enduring Fascination and Significance

The legacies of the ancient wonders continue to inspire and captivate people even today. Their stories, along with the ingenuity of their creators, have ensured their lasting impact as some ...