Seven Forgotten Wonders of the Medieval World

Seven Forgotten Wonders of the Medieval World

• Abu Simbel Temple

Abu Simbel Temple

Abu Simbel and its Twin Temple, The temple of Ramesses is known as ‘Great Temple’ and the other one at about hundred meters away is the temple of Hathor and Nefertari.This twin temple was built as a memorial of Kadesh War, as well as to impress and intimidate the other kings of that area.

• Angkor Watt

Angkor Watt

Angkor Watt, Antonia da Magdalene a Portuguese traveler of 1586 has written “It is such an extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all refinements which the human genius can conceive of”.

• Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

The focus of Taj Mahal is the white tomb; its elements are all Persian with symmetrical buildings with iwan (large hall with open front - generally with large arch- and other three sides enclosed). The marble dome (in the shape of onion called amrud or guava dome) that rests upon the tomb is the most spectacular view for a visitor who looks the Taj from outside.

• Mont Saint Michel

Mount Saint Michel

This island -formerly known as ‘Mont Tombe’- was a stronghold of the Romano-Briton culture, with construction of the monastery in 8^th century it came to be known in the present name - Mount Saint Michel. The Franks (an ethnic stock of West Germanic origin) captured it; thus ending a legacy that lasted even after the exit of the Romans in AD 460.

• Moai Statues - Easter Island

Moai Statues in Easter Island

Had there been no moais; the Easter Island would have remained as one among the thousands of remote islands in the Pacific Ocean and no one would have wasted time thinking about it. There are about 887 of them as per the inventories. These moais are believed to be images of the ancestors (probable deified) of the islanders; may be a sign of ancestor worship).

• Acropolis / Parthenon

Acropolis / Parthenon

The sacred temple for the Athena Parthenon was constructed after the Greek victory over the Persians on the banks of Eurymedon River, Propylaea; is a tetra-style Ionic structure with colonnaded porticos. Its facade was designed by Kallikrates with monumental gates in front and rear with marble columns originally built by Peristratus was rebuilt on its remnants.

• Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda

Myths and folklores have answers to all questions; as they have no limitations science and archaeology have. Let us rely upon the Burmese myths to understand the origin of the temple and the invaluable relic kept inside it. This temple is believed to be about two thousand five hundred years old (archaeologists opine that it has been built between 6^th and 10^th century).