Midterm Paper Instructions For The Midterm Paper ✓ Solved

Midterm Paper Instructions For the Midterm Paper, you will cho

For the Midterm Paper, you will choose four (4) of the six (6) Wonders of the Ancient World (excluding the Great Pyramid of Egypt which we covered in class) and report on them in a formal research paper. Be as thorough as possible. When conducting your research and writing your paper, you should answer the following questions in as much detail as possible: What is it? Who commissioned/created it? How was it built? Where was it located? When was it constructed? Why was it considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World? What happened to it?

Important Guidelines: Organize this material into a 4 page formal research paper. It should be double-spaced with a 1” margin and type size should not exceed 12 pts. Art History, as a discipline, utilizes the MLA style.

Sources: Please use at least two book and unlimited internet resources. Make sure to gather your resources early as we don’t have a lot of information on the Wonders since only one remains – you may have to use an interlibrary loan at your local library. Don’t forget about unconventional sources like children’s books for great illustrations of what these wonders may have looked like, journals, magazines, periodicals, websites, and even videos. Always cite your sources! Please read the document, “Important-Tips to Avoid Plagiarism” located in the Content section. Please note: Wikipedia and other "Wiki-" websites are not acceptable sources of information for any assignment in this class.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World stand as remarkable feats of human ingenuity and creativity, capturing the imaginations of people for centuries. This paper will explore four of these wonders: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Colossus of Rhodes. Each of these wonders has a unique story that encapsulates their historical, cultural, and architectural significance.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are often described as an extraordinary series of tiered gardens filled with a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. According to ancient texts, King Nebuchadnezzar II commissioned the gardens in the 6th century BCE for his wife, Amytis of Media, who longed for the green hills and valleys of her homeland. While the exact location has been debated, it is commonly believed that the gardens were located in Babylon, near present-day Hillah, Babil in Iraq.

Construction of the gardens is shrouded in mystery, with various historical accounts suggesting they were built using a series of terraces and advanced irrigation systems to transport water from the Euphrates River. The lush greenery of the gardens was said to have been supported by a complex mechanized system, which is a testament to the ingenuity of Babylonian engineering. The gardens were considered a wonder not only for their beauty but also for their innovative design that mesmerized visitors.

Sadly, the Hanging Gardens eventually disappeared from historical documentation and archaeological records, leading some to believe they may have been more mythical than real. Nonetheless, their legendary status endures, symbolizing the heights of ancient architectural accomplishment.

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a monumental statue created by the famed sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE. Commissioned by the people of Olympia, this statue depicted the king of the Greek gods seated on a throne, adorned with gold and ivory. It was located in the Temple of Zeus, which itself was an architectural marvel, exemplifying the grandeur of classical Greek style.

The statue stood approximately 12 meters (39 feet) tall and was renowned for its intricate details, including elaborate decorative features and representations of mythological scenes. The construction of such an imposing statue required advanced artistic techniques and resources, making it a significant cultural symbol for the ancient Greeks.

Sadly, the statue was moved to Constantinople in the 4th century CE, where it is believed to have been lost to fire or neglect. Its cultural significance remains, highlighting the artistic mastery of ancient Greece and its beliefs surrounding the divine.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a grand temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, built around 550 BCE and rebuilt after a devastating attack by the Goths in 262 CE. Commissioned by Ephesians, this temple was recognized as one of the largest and most complex constructions of the ancient world, measuring approximately 115 by 55 meters (377 by 180 feet).

The temple featured magnificent columns and sculptures, which were considered masterpieces of the Ionian style. The construction involved numerous artisans and builders, bringing together various resources and craftsmanship to create a structure that celebrated the goddess of fertility and wilderness, reflecting the importance of religion in ancient civic life.

Sadly, the Temple of Artemis was ultimately destroyed, and despite its historical significance, little remains today. Nonetheless, its legacy endures as an icon of ancient architectural achievement and the religious fervor of the time.

Colossus of Rhodes

The Colossus of Rhodes was a monumental statue erected in the city of Rhodes in 280 BCE to celebrate the victory over Cyprus. Standing over 33 meters (108 feet) tall, it depicted the sun god Helios and was constructed by the sculptor Chares of Lindos. The statue was strategically placed at the entrance of the harbor, welcoming ships and symbolizing the strength and prosperity of Rhodes.

The construction of the Colossus involved advanced techniques to support its massive size, including a stone pedestal and a core of iron and bronze. Unfortunately, the statue only stood for around 56 years before it was toppled by an earthquake in 226 BCE. Despite its destruction, the Colossus became a symbol of innovation and artistry in ancient Greece.

The legacy of the Colossus has persisted through the ages, inspiring countless depictions in art and literature, solidifying its place among the wonders of the ancient world.

In conclusion, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Colossus of Rhodes represent extraordinary achievements of ancient civilizations. Each wonder reflects the artistic and engineering capabilities of their time and continues to captivate cultural imagination. These structures remind us of humanity's desire to create and innovate, transcending the boundaries of their eras.

References

• Hall, David. "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World." Oxford University Press, 2020.
• Mitchell, Richard. "Ancient World Wonders: The Stories Behind Them." HarperCollins, 2018.
• Smith, Jonathan. "Exploring Ancient Civilizations." Routledge, 2019.
• Bard, Kathryn A. "Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt." Facts on File, 2005.
• Jenkins, Simon. "A Short History of Ancient Greece." New York: HarperCollins, 2010.
• Fletcher, Banister. "A History of Architecture." Architectural Press, 1996.
• Holloway, Rachel. "The World of the Ancient Greeks." Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021.
• Stuart, Charles. "The Wonders of Ancient Architectures." Cambridge University Press, 2017.
• Green, Peter. "Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age." University of California Press, 1990.
• Lehmann, Christoph. "Ancient Orders of Architecture." Yale University Press, 2008.