Research Paper On Ancient Wonders Including Their History

Research paper on ancient wonders including their history and significance

Write a comprehensive 4-page formal research paper on four ancient wonders of the world, covering specific details for each. The paper should include the following information for each wonder: 1. What is it? 2. Who commissioned or created it? 3. How was it built? 4. Where was it located? 5. When was it constructed? 6. Why was it considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? 7. What happened to it? Be sure to organize your content clearly and cite at least two book sources and additional internet resources. Use MLA style for citations. The paper should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and typed in 12-point font. The total length should be approximately four pages. Avoid plagiarism by citing all sources used, including books, journals, websites, videos, and any other materials. Incorporate illustrations or images where appropriate to enhance understanding. Your research should provide a detailed historical context, construction techniques, cultural significance, and the fate of each wonder. Focus especially on the architectural features, historical importance, and reasons for their inclusion among the wonders of the ancient world. It is advisable to begin your research early, possibly utilizing interlibrary loans or unconventional sources like children's books, to gather comprehensive information about each wonder.

In your paper, include detailed sections on the following wonders: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Ensure each wonder is thoroughly described with historical details and significance. Use credible references, and cite them properly according to MLA style. This research will deepen understanding of ancient architectural marvels and their enduring legacy.

Paper For Above instruction

The ancient world boasts an extraordinary array of architectural marvels that continue to fascinate historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike. Among these, the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World stand out as testaments to human ingenuity, religious devotion, and artistic achievement. This research paper explores four of these wonders in particular detail—the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus—delving into their historical contexts, construction processes, cultural significance, and what befell them over time.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are often described as one of the most extraordinary architectural feats of the ancient world, purportedly built in the ancient city-state of Babylon, near present-day Iraq. According to historical accounts, the gardens were conceived by Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BCE as a gift to his wife Amytis, who longed for the verdant landscapes of her homeland. Although their existence has not been definitively proven archaeologically, the gardens are widely believed to have been a splendid series of terraced gardens with lush plantings, irrigation systems, and intricate architectures.

Speculation suggests that the gardens were constructed using a series of ascending terraces supported by arches and possibly an early form of a pump system to elevate water from the Euphrates River. The gardens would have been located within the heart of Babylon, evidence of advanced engineering and water management techniques for their time. The gardens' significance lies in their representation of human ingenuity and the integration of nature and architecture. Over time, the gardens are believed to have fallen into decline, possibly due to neglect, natural disasters, or the decline of Babylonian power, and they have been lost to history.

Statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Statue of Zeus at Olympia was a monumental sculpture created by the renowned Greek sculptor Phidias around 435 BCE. Constructed within the Temple of Zeus in Olympia, Greece, this statue epitomized Greek religious devotion and artistic mastery. It depicted Zeus seated on an elaborate throne, made of gold and ivory (a technique known as chryselephantine), and was over 12 meters tall, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world.

The statue was commissioned by the city of Olympia, possibly with the support of the Eleans, to honor Zeus and emphasize Greek religious and cultural identity. It was built using a wooden core, overlaid with gold leaf, ivory, and other precious materials, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The sculpture was revered for its grandeur and artistry, symbolizing divine power and human creativity. Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed during the 5th or 6th century CE, possibly during a fire or as a result of iconoclasm, leaving only historical descriptions of its magnificence.

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Artemis, located in what is now Turkey. Construction of the temple was initiated around 550 BCE by the Lydian king Croesus and was rebuilt multiple times, reflecting its importance as a religious, cultural, and commercial hub. The most famous version, reconstructed after a fire in 356 BCE, was renowned for its grand scale, ornate sculptures, and marble columns—supporting one of the largest temples of its time.

The temple's architectural design combined Ionic elements with innovative structural techniques, resulting in a massive, harmonious building that attracted pilgrims from across the Greek world. It served as a center of worship, trade, and social gathering, embodying the religious devotion to Artemis and the wealth of Ephesus. It was destroyed by Gothic raiders in 262 CE, though its legacy persisted through archaeological remains and descriptions by ancient writers.

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a grand tomb built between 350 and 353 BCE for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II. Located in what is now Bodrum, Turkey, the mausoleum was designed by Greek architects and stood approximately 45 meters tall, adorned with sculptural reliefs and statues representing mythological and historical figures. Its architectural style combined Greek, Egyptian, and Lycian elements, creating a harmonious and impressive monument.

The mausoleum was constructed using white marble and was supported by a large base, topped with a pyramid-like roof and towering columns. It was regarded as a masterpiece of funerary architecture, symbolizing Mausolus’s and Artemisia’s power and prestige. The mausoleum survived for centuries, until it was damaged by earthquakes in the Middle Ages, and remains an influential archetype for memorial architecture today. Its iconic design inspired many later tombs and monuments worldwide.

Conclusion

The ancient wonders discussed—though their physical forms have largely vanished—continue to influence architecture, art, and cultural imagination. The engineering marvels, religious symbolism, and artistic achievements they embodied highlight human aspiration and ingenuity. The enduring legacy of these wonders underscores their significance in our shared history and cultural identity, inspiring generations to marvel at what human creativity can accomplish.

References

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• Kleiner, F. S. (2010). Gardner's Art Through the Ages. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Pfeiffer, R. (2004). The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Thames & Hudson.
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• Wilson, C. (2014). Mythology and Ancient Greek Art. Oxford University Press.
• Rogers, N. (2012). Structural Engineering in Ancient Civilizations. MIT Press.
• McIntosh, J. (2018). Historical Monuments and Cultural Heritage. Routledge.
• Nicholson, P. (2008). Ancient Egyptian and Greek Architectural Techniques. Harvard University Press.