Origins in Antiquity: The concept of identifying remarkable man-made structures dates back to the ancient Greeks, notably with Herodotus compiling the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World in the 2nd century BCE. Over time, most of these wonders vanished due to various natural and human causes, leaving only the Pyramids of Giza standing.
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Modern-Day Revival: In the 1990s, a Swiss filmmaker, Bernard Weber, sought to leverage the Internet's global reach to rekindle this idea. The initiative aimed to engage people worldwide in choosing a modern set of wonders. Through online voting, millions participated, leading to the declaration of the "New 7 Wonders of the World" in 2007.
UNESCO's Stand: Contrary to popular belief, UNESCO was not involved in selecting the 7 Wonders. While Weber sought consultation from UNESCO, the organization distanced itself from the initiative, emphasizing its mission to preserve and protect designated World Heritage Sites, distinct from lists chosen by public sentiment.
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Controversies and Criticism: The industry faced criticism from various quarters. Egyptian officials expressed dissatisfaction, feeling the Pyramids of Giza deserved automatic inclusion. Some critics questioned the credibility of a list based on popular online votes, arguing for cultural institutions' involvement instead.
Expanding Lists and Initiatives: Beyond the 7 Wonders, subsequent initiatives emerged, including the "New 7 Wonders of Nature." Several non-profit projects and publications surfaced, listing wonders across different realms.
Conclusion:
The story of the 7 Wonders of the World—from the ancient Greeks to today's global votes—shows how much we love celebrating amazing human creations. Even though there are some controversies, these lists remind us of our shared wonder and admiration for the incredible things that shape our world.
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