Mankind has built structures around the world for centuries. The reasons for building these were many. Some were built for protection. Others were built for religious purposes. Some were built as places to reside in. Some were even built simply for art.
Whatever the reasons mankind has had, some of these structures still inspire awe in us. Some of them leave us amazed at the sheer size of them. Others are striking as examples of fine art and architecture. There are also structures that make us wonder how they were constructed. Even now, scientists can only guess and come up with theories on how ancient people were able to haul large stones from quarries and transport them to the sites of these structures. Following is the list of top 10 wonderful man made historical structures. These miracles could not have happened without hard work of human beings.
10. The Great Pyramid of Giza
This is the tallest historical structure built by human beings. It was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. It consists of three main burial chambers. The accuracy in dimensions of this pyramid has baffled scientists. It was largely built of granite and limestone. The interior structure was built of granite and the exterior casing stones were made of limestone. It was the tallest structure built by man for over 3800 years until the 12th century. This is one of the oldest man made historical buildings which still seems difficult to reconstruct with latest machinery available.
9. The Colosseum of Rome
This amphitheater was the biggest in the Roman Empire. This man made building was also called the Flavian Amphitheater. It was constructed under the reigns of the Roman emperors Vespasian and Titus. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Rome. This structure was used for entertainment purposes. Entertainment included mock battles, contests between gladiators, and classical plays. This historical building was also used for public executions in older times.
8. Taj Mahal
This marvel of architecture has attracted tourists by the thousands every day. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, the most beloved wife of the emperor. The central structure consists of an unequal octagonal building with an arched entrance. Four minarets frame the central structure. The entire structure and the minarets stand on a raised plinth.
7. The Great Wall of China
More than 8000 km long wall is the longest wall ever built by mankind. The wall is so long that for a long time it was rumored to be visible from the moon. This rumor however is not true. The wall was built at different times in sections which were later joined. It was built of many materials such as tamped earth, brick stone and wood. It was built to keep out invading barbarians. The length of wall and its history makes it seventh historical man made wonder in the world.
6. The Leaning Tower of Pisa
This is famous among most towers as it leans to one side. It is located in the town of Pisa in Italy. What most people don’t know about this tower is that the leaning of the tower was unintentional. It was constructed as a bell tower for the town’s cathedral. It started leaning as the soil on one side of the foundation was too soft and the structure began to sink on that side.
5. Hagia Sophia
One of the most beautiful surviving monuments of all time, this structure was first constructed as a church. It was built during the time of the Byzantine Empire. It remained the largest cathedral ever built for almost a thousand years after it was constructed. The interiors are richly decorated with mosaics and marble pillars. The Ottomans converted it to a mosque when they took over Constantinople. It is currently a museum.
4. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was the largest city the Mayans ever built in pre Columbian times. It consists of several structures. Some of them are in ruins while others had stood the test of time. The most famous of these structures is the temple of Kukulkan. This is also known as El Castillo. It is a pyramid with 365 steps leading up to the main entrance of the temple, each for one day of the year. It showcases the Mayan’s knowledge of astronomy.
3. Petra
This is Jordan’s biggest tourist attraction. Built by a race known as the Nabataean, this is a unique attraction. It is an entire city sculpted from rock. The color of the rock is often described as rose red. The city is almost 2000 years old and was an important link between the east and the west on the silk route.
2. Machu Picchu
This is a 15th century site which belongs to the Incas. It is more of an estate and contains some of the finest examples of Inca architecture. It has been built almost 8000 feet above sea level. The Incas has perfected the art of stone masonry called Ashlar. This is a way to cut and place stones above each other without using mortar. The way the large boulders have been placed, not even a piece of paper would fit between the two boulders placed atop each other.
1. Stonehenge
This is an ancient site in England which is one of England’s biggest tourism attractions. This ring of standing stones is estimated to have been built between 3000 and 2000 B.C. It is said that it had astronomical uses which makes it world’s wonderful man made structure in the world.
