The Eighth Wonder of the World - Part 7

 

 Eighth Wonder of the World

There are a few considered for the title.

Three are listed here. They are constructions rather than natural wonders.

Pre-1900 creations

Part Seven

Sigiriya 

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District in Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of granite approximately 180 m (590 ft) high.

By Binuka poojan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90567505

It is likely that the area around Sigiriya was inhabited since prehistoric times. There is clear evidence that the many rock shelters and caves in the vicinity were occupied by Buddhist monks and ascetics from as early as the 3rd century BC.

By dronepicr - Sigiriya Luftbild, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52016328

In 477 AD, Kashyapa I, seized the throne from King Dhatusena, following a coup. The rightful heir, Moggallana, fearing for his life, fled to South India. Afraid of an attack by Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence to the more secure Sigiriya. 

During King Kashyapa’s reign (477 to 495 AD), Sigiriya was developed into a complex city and fortress. Most of the elaborate constructions on the rock summit and around it, including defensive structures, palaces, and gardens, date from this period.

By Cherubino - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30088456

The site contains the ruins of an upper palace located on the flat top of the rock. The lower palaces clings to the slopes below the rocks. The moats, walls and gardens of the palace extended for a few hundred metres from the base of the rock. The site was both a palace and a fortress. The upper palace on the top of the rock includes cisterns cut into the rock.

Statue of Liberty

The copper statue, a gift from the people of France, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was built in France, shipped overseas in crates, and assembled on the completed pedestal on what was then called Bedloe's Island.

The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

By User:Mcj1800 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84048565

I went there in 1990. You've probably been yourself. You can walk up inside and look out through the crown (or was it the eyes?) It was a long time ago now. Went up the Twin Towers the next day and stood on the roof. Watching Sept. 11 2001 happen live was horrific.

Stonehenge

www.flickr.com/photos/garethwiscombe/1071477228/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0

Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed in several phases from around 3100 BC to 1600 BC, with the circle of large sarsen stones placed between 2600 BC and 2400 BC. The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the bluestones were given their current positions between 2400 and 2200 BC, although they may have been at the site as early as 3000 BC.

The oldest known depiction of Stonehenge, from the second quarter of the 14th century. A giant helps Merlin build Stonehenge.

Many aspects of Stonehenge, such as how it was built and for what purposes it was used, remain subject to debate.

I went there in 1989. You could get much closer to it then than now. You've probably been there too. Not a lot to see, or wasn't then. ie no tourist centre. Or is memory failing me again? 

Still very interesting however and Bath is nearby, which is historically fascinating.

More in this Series HERE 

A.J. Langford Books