Ancient Wonders of the World pt2

Some may not still be there but the location still have attractions and rich cultures con't

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, listeners. I cannot thank you enough for stopping by.
Its time for another episode of the World Traveler Podcast,
a show dedicated to those that just can't stay still.
You've got to be going somewhere. You should be aware
that this is a continuation of last week's episode. We

(00:21):
got into a topic that was too big for a
single episode. It was traveling the world to these sides,
at least for some of the wonders of the world.
We talked about places to see in Egypt, I rack
Greece as well as Turkey. Today's episode, we're going back

(00:45):
to Egypt, starting off with the line House of Alexandria,
built on the island of Pharaohs in the third century
b c e. By Ptolemac king Ptolemy the Second. The
Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the tallest man made
structures of the ancient world, standing at over three hundred feet,

(01:09):
It guided ships safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria.
The lighthouse featured a giant statue of Zeus or Poseidon
at its peak, and it was said to be visible
from many miles away across the Mediterranean. Although the lighthouse
is no longer there The ruins of the island are

(01:29):
part of modern day Alexandria, where visitors can explore the
fort built on the site of the original lighthouse. The
Alexandria National Museum and the Biblioteca Alexandriana offer exhibits related
to ancient Alexandria. The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a symbol

(01:51):
of ancient engineering and maritime safety. It was one of
the Seven Wonders, showcasing the importance of lighthouses in the
ancient world and their significance in modern times. Next, let's
take a look at some new Wonders of the World

(02:14):
in no particular order, starting off with the Great Wall
of China. The Great Wall of China is a series
of fortifications built across northern China over several centuries, originally
starting in the seventh century BC, with the most famous
sections built during the Ming dynasty. It stretches for about

(02:39):
thirteen thousand miles and was designed primarily to protect the
Chinese states and empires from invasions by nomadic tribes. It
was made from a variety of materials, including earth, wood
and stone. The Wall also includes watch towers, fortresses, and

(03:00):
other military structures that were used to defend against invasions.
The most visited sections of the Wall are near Beijing,
which are well preserved and accessible. However, for those seeking
a more remote experience, sections offer less crowded scenic views.

(03:21):
Visitors can hike, bike, or take cable cars along the wall,
enjoying breathtaking visas of the surrounding landscape and exploring ancient watchtowers.
The Great Wall is a symbol of China's enduring strength, unity,
and determination. It is an agricultural marvel that demonstrates the

(03:42):
resourcefulness and resilience of the people who built it. The
Wall is also a testament to the military ingenuity of
ancient China, showcasing both strategic and defensive techniques. Next stop.
Petra in Jordan is known as the road city because

(04:03):
of its red sandstone cliffs. It was established in the
sixth century bcee by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilization.
It became a major trading hub due to its strategic
location along caravan routes. The city's rock cut architecture and

(04:26):
advanced water management system are some of the most impressive features.
Petro was forgotten for centuries and rediscovered by Swiss explorer
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in eighteen twelve. Key structures include the
treasury and intricately carved facade that likely served as a

(04:48):
tomb or temple. Visitors to Petra entered through the Sig,
a narrow winding canyon that leads to the Treasury. There,
the city reveals its stunning rock cut buildings, tombs, and theaters.
Exploring Petra requires walking or horseback riding through the site,

(05:11):
and many tourists opt for a full day high corps,
even a two day trek. The archaeological site is also
home to impressive views of the surrounding desert, and visitors
can enjoy evening shows such as the Petra by Night event,
where the Treasury is lit by hundreds of candles. Petra's

(05:35):
archaeological feeds and its role as a thriving trade center
for the Nebuteans make it an icon of ancient ingenuity.
The city is not only a popular tourist destination, but
also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing global attention to
the culture and historical significance of the Nebutaean civilization. Next

(06:02):
to Brazil, where you can see the christ the Redeemer.
The Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro stands
at ninety eight feet tall, with its arms stretching ninety
two feet wide. The statue, completed in nineteen thirty one,

(06:22):
was designed by Brazilian engineer Hatour de Salva Costa and
French sculptor Paul Ladwowski. It overlooks the city of Rio
from the peak of Corcovada Mountain and has become a
global symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture. It's made of

(06:43):
reinforced concrete and soapstone. The statue's design represents Christ's embrace
of humanity. The figure gazes over the city with outstretched arms,
embodying peace and compassion. The statue can be reached via
a train ride through the lush forest, which leads to

(07:04):
the summit of Corkovada Mountain. Visitors can take panoramic photographs
from the viewing platform and enjoy stunning vistas of Rio,
including the famous Sugarloaf Mountain and sprawling coast line. The
experience is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the

(07:24):
statue is bathed in golden light. The Christ to the
Redeemer Statue is not just a religious monument, but a
cultural icon that represents Brazilian identity. It has become a
symbol of hospitality, kindness, and the spirit of Rio de Janeiro.
Its towering presence serves as a reminder of Brazil's vibrant,

(07:47):
spiritual and cultural history. Machu Picchu is a fifteenth century
Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains in Peru.
It was built by the Incan emperor around fourteen fifty
and is it believed to have been a royal estate

(08:08):
or a religious site. The site includes impressive structures such
as the Temple of the Sun and the in ta
huatina I said that perfectly, which is used for astronomical purposes.
The Incan civilization's engineering expertise is evident in the sophisticated

(08:29):
water channels, agricultural terraces, and dry stone construction techniques used
at Machu Pichu. Travelers can reach Machu Pichu via a
track along the Inca Trail or by taking the train
from Costco to the base of the mountain. Hiking the
Inca Trail is a multi day experience that offers scenic

(08:51):
views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once at Machu Pichu,
visitors can explore the site with a guide to learn
about its history, significance, and impressive architecture. The sunrise visit
is especially popular, as the mist of the citadel creates
a mystical atmosphere. Machu Picchu is considered one of the

(09:14):
greatest archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. It stands as
a symbol of Incan culture and engineering, highlighting the advanced
knowledge of the civilization. Its global fame has also contributed
to the preservation of Incan heritage and the growth of
tourism in Peru. In Mexico, you can visit chichen Itza.

(09:41):
Chichen Itza is a large pre Columbian archaeological site located
in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was once one of the
most important cities of the Maya civilization, thriving between the
seventh and tenth centuries CE. The city is best known
for its Peersramid, El Castilio, the Temple of Kukola Kan,

(10:04):
which was dedicated to the feathered serviant god Cukla Kan.
The city also features the Great Ball Court, the largest
and best preserved ball court in Mesoamerica, as so well
as other important structures like the Temple of Warriors and
the Observatory. Visitors can explore the ruins of chichi Itza

(10:26):
with highlights, including the Pyramid of Cukla Kan, which features
an optical illusion during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when
shadows create the image of a serpent descending the pyramid steps.
The site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and offers guided tours which provide historical and cultural context

(10:47):
about the Maya civilization. Chichen Itza represents the intellectual, artistic,
and engineering advancements of the Mayan civilization. It draws millions
of visitors annually, bringing attention to messo American history and
contributing to the preservation of ancient sites in Mexico. Unfortunately,

(11:10):
that's all the time that we've got for today's episode
of the World Traveler podcast. I hope you've enjoyed this one.
In Where to Next, I'll see you there.