Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Architectural wonders of the ancient world



Human civilization has been creating monuments, buildings, and impressive structures since the dawn of time. The people from the olden days were able to build some of the most breathtaking and remarkable architectural wonders using advanced construction techniques. Here are some prime examples:



Image Source: pinterest.com



Great Wall of China

A series of fortifications made of stone, brick, rammed earth, and wood, the Great Wall of China is considered as the largest man-made construction in the world. It's around 6,400 kilometers long and took centuries to build. Over a million people died during the building of this wall. The Chinese built this wall to protect themselves from invasion from the north. The wall is over 2,000 years old and has been rebuilt, enhanced, and maintained through the years.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the most famous constructions by the Roman Empire. It was built in 128 A.D. as a temple to honor the ancient Roman gods and goddesses such as Jupiter, Neptune, and Mars. Because of the Pantheon’s impressive design, around 34 buildings were made in its likeness.



Image Source: en.wikipedia.org


Leaning Tower of Pisa

Architects have always wondered how this happened. Obviously, it was not meant to lean but the Tower of Pisa, which is actually a bell tower for Duomo de Pisa, got famous for it. It took almost 200 years to construct the tower, and since it was built, it started sinking to the ground.

Taj Mahal

Aside from its unique design, the Taj Mahal is famous because of the story behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it in honor of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered by many to be the jewel of Muslim art and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Great Pyramids of Giza

Ancient Egyptians created the pyramids as the final resting place for its pharaohs. Until the 19th century, the Great Pyramid was the highest structure in the world. It's made from approximately 2,300,000 limestone blocks that weigh 2.5 tons each.



Image Source: cntraveller.com


Hi, I'm Jonathan Bunge and I'm an architect who appreciate both modern and ancient designs. Follow me on Facebook to discover some of the best architectural feats in the world.

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