Lifespans of
the Seven Wonders

The Pyramid of Khufu has lasted nearly 100 times as long as did the Colossus of Rhodes. And, it has survived almost as many centuries (46) as the other six combined (52).  Below are the longevity rankings (known and estimated life spans are italicized):

1. Pyramids of Khufu
46 centuries (and counting)

2. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
17 centuries

3. Lighthouse of Alexandria
16 centuries

4. Statue of Zeus
9 centuries

5. Temple of Artemis
8 centuries

6. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
1 century

7. Colossus of Rhodes
½ century

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Earthquake
damage

Earthquakes helped destroy the majority of the ancient Seven Wonders. The four victims are the Colossus of Rhodes, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and Temple of Artemis. The three exceptions are the Statue of  Zeus (by fire), Hanging Gardens of Babylon (by water damage and brick deterioration) and Pyramid of Khufu (still going strong).

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Suppose all of the seven
wonders existed today
in their prime conditions.
Which would you as a traveler
like to see most? 

Here's the consensus rankings based on my interviews with seasoned world travelers who are well-versed on the ancient 7 wonders:

1. Pyramid of Khufu
2. Temple of Artemis
3. Colossus of Rhodes
4. Lighthouse of Alexandria
5. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
6. Statue of Zeus
7. Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Chances are you will not agree with the above wish-to-see rankings. That's expected. Mathematically, there are 5,040 different ways to arrange the list of 7 wonders and each permutation has its own thoughtful adherents. I would enjoy reading your personal rankings (and the reasons behind them). Click the "email me your opinion" link in the left column.

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Learn more Seven Wonder facts

FIRST PAGE

PAGE TWO

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Colossus of Rhodes
Hanging Gardens
Lighthouse of Alexandria
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Pyramid of Khufu
Statue of Zeus
Temple of Artemis

Pyramids of Egypt -1
Great Wall of China - 2
Taj Mahal -3
Serengeti Migration -4
Galapagos Islands -5
Grand Canyon -6
Machu Picchu -7

The 5 major ancient list flaws
10 amazing facts

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

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