The Pharos, also called the Lighthouse of Alexandria, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built in the 3rd century BC, it stood for centuries, welcoming ships into the harbor. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 956, and subsequent quakes in 1303 and 1323.
Many of the fallen stones were used to build a fort in 1480 on one of the original platforms of the lighthouse.
2. Masada
Answer: Israel
Located on a plateau in the Judaean Desert near the Dead Sea, Masada was the location of an epic standoff between 960 Jewish Zealots and the "X Fretensis", "Tenth legion of the Strait", of the Roman Imperial Army. Ultimately, according to the historian, Josephus, the Zealots chose to commit suicide rather than surrender.
3. Pantheon
Answer: Rome
The Pantheon was commissioned after the famous Battle of Actium (31 BC) between the forces of Cleopatra and Marc Antony against Octavian. Completed and dedicated in approximately 126 as a temple to all the gods, it has been continuously used since ancient times as a Christian church and tomb. Among those buried there is the great Renaissance artist Raphael Santi and some Italian kings.
4. Ishtar Gate
Answer: Babylon
When Nebuchadnezzar II became king, he rebuilt Babylon, making it a monumental city. Archaeologists have found evidence of 250 watchtowers, as well as 100 bronze gates within the massive walls of the city, which were 300 feet high and 80 feet thick! A 400 foot-long bridge over the Euphrates River led to the city's Processional Street; at the south end was the famous gate, covered with blue glazed bricks and bas relief animal sculptures, and dedicated to the goddess of fertility and love, Ishtar.
5. Temple of Artemis
Answer: Ephesus
In present-day Turkey near the town of Selçuk, one can view the remains of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built and rebuilt three times, legend has it that the second temple was burned on the night Alexander the Great was born. Artemis, concerned over his birth, did not have time to defend her temple.
It was rebuilt for the third time after his death, and remained for 600 years, until it was destroyed by the Goths. Some of the remains were used for other building projects.
For example, it is said that some of the columns of the Temple are now seen at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
6. Lascaux Cave
Answer: France
Lascaux Cave contains some of the best known examples of Paleolithic art. Believed to be over 17,000 years old, the cave contains almost 2,000 pictures of animals, humans, and abstract figures. One section of the cave, called "The Great Hall of the Bulls", shows images of bulls, stags, and equines. Were the paintings done to celebrate a successful hunt? Or to create a magic spell that would always keep the animals abundant? No one knows for sure.
7. Terracotta Army
Answer: Shaanxi Province
Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army was the representation of the army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and was found in a large necropolis that included his burial mound. Military figures, including 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and several hundred chariot and cavalry horses were discovered, however, there were also other terracotta figures found, such as acrobats, musicians, and other officials.
8. La Brea Tar Pits
Answer: California
Located within the city of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits were formed by a seepage of crude oil. Upon reaching the earth's surface, as it began to evaporate, it left behind a thick sticky tar. Radiocarbon dating has placed the oldest known wooden materials in the pits at approximately 55,000 years old, and the oldest animal remains, a coyote, at 46,800, according to the "La Brea Tar Pits & Museum" website. Wolf remains are the most frequent animals found, followed by saber-tooth cats and coyotes.
9. Karnak Temple Complex
Answer: Luxor
The building of the Karnak Temple Complex was begun during the Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt and continued through the reign of the Ptolomies, from approximately 2055 BC to 100 AD. Located at Thebes, the second capital of ancient Egypt, which is called Luxor today, the complex was dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Among its many structures, temples were found, along with a sacred lake, and a hypostyle hall with 138 columns, which is still the largest room of any religious building in the world.
10. Mohenjo-daro
Answer: Pakistan
One of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Mohenjo-daro was built in the 26th century BCE. It is considered to be one of the earliest examples of urban planning, as it was laid out in a grid pattern; the city had bath houses, drainage systems, a market place, assembly halls, and a large residential structure.
The abandonment of the city could have been caused by the Indus River changing course; however, no evidence of the cause of the fall of the civilization has been found.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor NatalieW before going online.
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