Top 5s

Top 5 – Human Built Wonders

January 28, 2023 /
Civilization and society in the past. Witness all about the human building brain here.

In the past, humans were able to build impressive structures like pyramids and fortresses, churches and much more. Human Built Wonders are created because of a combination of factors including:

 

  1. Advancements in technology and tools: They had better tools and techniques to cut and shape materials such as stone.
  2. Skilled labor force: Many ancient civilizations had a strong tradition of stonemasonry and engineering. This allowed them to build complex structures with a high level of precision.
  3. Understanding of mathematics and geometry: A good understanding of mathematics and geometry allowed builders to create structures that were structurally sound.

These factors, along with a strong cultural and historical context, enabled ancient civilizations to create many of the impressive structures. This article aims to quickly give you an idea about the Top 5 – Human Built Wonders in the ancient past that are still standing today.

#1 Piramids of Giza, Egypt

★★★★★ 5/5

The Giza Pyramids are ancient Egyptian pyramids located in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo and is on top of the human build wonders list. They are considered some of the most impressive architectural feats in human history. And this is actually true, you will not believe your eyes once you’re there. The largest and most famous of the pyramids is the Great Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, and was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (2589-2566 BC). The other two main pyramids at Giza were built by Pharaohs Khafre (2558-2532 BC) and Menkaure (2532-2503 BC). These pyramids served as tombs for the Pharaohs and their consorts, and their structures continue to astound modern engineers and researchers with their size and precision. Despite being over 4,500 years old, the pyramids at Giza still stand today as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Their heights are as follows:

  • Great Pyramid of Khufu: 146.7 meters (481 feet)
  • Pyramid of Khafre: 136.4 meters (447 feet)
  • Pyramid of Menkaure: 65.5 meters (215 feet)
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Piramids, Egypt
Pyramid of Khufu, Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Pyramid of Khufu, Giza Pyramids, Egypt
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★★★★★ 5/5

Slaves, or not?

The exact number of slaves used to build the pyramids is unknown and a subject of much. Some suggest that the labor force for the Great Pyramid of Khufu consisted of around 100,000 workers. Others believe the number was closer to 20,000-30,000.

It is widely believed that the workers who built the pyramids were not slaves. Instead paid laborers and skilled workers who were conscripted to work on the project for a limited period of time. This was a common practice in ancient Egypt. Large public works projects such as the construction of temples and pyramids were normally carried out using corvée conscripted from the local population.

However, there is also evidence to suggest that some workers may have been slaves or prisoners of war who were forced to work. Further research and discovery has to clarify this aspect of ancient Egyptian history.

#2 Abu Simbel, Egypt

★★★★★ 5/5

This place, as actually the entire Egypt, is a magnificent piece of art, history and culture. The second Human Built Wonder are the temples of Abu Simbel, located in the middle of the desert in the far south of the country, is one of the most stunning ancient temples that can still be found. Once you center the area and you let your eye fall on the first glimpse of the temple behind a small hill, you don’t know what you’re seeing. The four statues, along with the temple of Hathor and Nefertari on the right side, are simple enormous. No picture can describe Egypt. You just have to see it for yourself in order to believe what’s happening. I propose you visit the country as soon as possible!

Abu Simbel temple close-up, Egypt

You can access the area by the 2 different ways. You either take a flight to the small airport, or you take a long bus drive of 3 hours from Aswan. Once you are in the area, I recommend you do the following:

Getting in the main temple is definitely what you will do first. The entrance is magnificent with walking out even funnier to experience what the old pharaohs did. Make sure you bring your best photographers!

Try to do your homework in our to learn as much as possible from the ancient history and geographical position. Did you know that you temple was once fully under water by the Nile? Well I did not! Egypt has a fascinating history and you will enjoy your time even more when you learn yourself just a bit on forehand. 

Visit the neighboring, just a bit smaller, temple of Hathor. As said, you will not know what you experience and I can recommend everybody to visit this piece of Human Build Wonder. 

#3 Alhambra, Granada, Spain

★★★★★ 4.5/5

The third one in the list of Human Built Wonders is The Alhambra. A palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It was built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th centuries and is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world. It is known for its historical significance, and its beautiful location, perched on a hill overlooking the city of Granada. The Alhambra is made up of several parts, including the Palace of Charles V, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba fortress. The Nasrid Palaces, with their ornate decoration and beautiful courtyards, are particularly famous. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year. I propose you visit 🙂

Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
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Book the best hostel in Granada here!

The hostel that I can recommend to you the most in this lovely city is El Granado Hostel. The dorms are perfect, it is clean, laptop option, they help you with booking for the Alhambra and there is a nice chill vibe. You can either relax or meet new people. All for an affordable price. I propose this one!

Hostelworld

#3 Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain

★★★★★ 4/5

Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) is THE famous stone bridge in Ronda, Spain, that spans the Tajo Gorge and connects the two parts of the city. It was built between 1751 and 1793 and is considered one of the most impressive examples of civil engineering from the late 18th century. At a height of nearly 100 meters, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Puente Nuevo is a major tourist attraction in Ronda and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Andalusian region of Spain, and therefore, one of the Human Built Wonders.

Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
Puente Nuevo, Ronda, Spain
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Read more about:

Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Andalusia full travel guide
The Sphynx, Cairo, Egypt
Egypt full travel guide

#5 Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

★★★★★ 4/5

And once again, we end up in Spain. Believe me, this country is just amazing. The last one for the Human Built Wonders list is the Sagrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain. It is an unfinished work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who worked on the church for over 40 years until his death in 1926. The church is renowned for its unique, modernist architecture and its highly decorative facades, which feature sculptures and intricate details inspired by nature. The Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions and is considered a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is so famous for more then one reason:

Why so famous?

  • Architectural design: The church is considered one of Antoni Gaudi’s greatest works and is known for its unconventional and imaginative architectural style, which blends elements of Gothic and Art Nouveau.
  • Decorative details: The facades of the Sagrada Familia are covered in intricate sculptures, carvings, and mosaics, many of which depict scenes from the life of Jesus and other religious stories.
  • Unfinished nature: Despite over a century having passed since Gaudi’s death, the church remains unfinished, which adds to its mystery and charm. Visitors can see the original plans and models created by Gaudi and learn about his vision for the church. It is supposed to be finished in 2026.
Seville, Spain

Want to find out more about Spain?

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
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