The new seven wonders

Published on 08/07/2007 00:40

THE Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan and Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer are among the world's modern-day seven wonders, announced last night.

The other four are Peru's Machu Picchu, the mountain settlement that symbolises the Incan empire, Mexico's Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, the Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India.

Winners were announced at a glitzy show in Lisbon following an online poll of 100 million voters.

Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank, who attended the presentation along with other stars such as singer Jennifer Lopez, said: "Never before in history have so many people participated in a global decision."

The traditional "seven wonders" existed more than 2,000 years ago and were all in the Mediterranean and Middle East region. Only one remains standing today - the Pyramids of Giza.

The others were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos lighthouse off Alexandria.

Organisers said the contest was a chance to level the cultural playing field and recognise the achievements of societies outside Europe and the Middle East. Almost 200 nominations were received. Places which made the shortlist included the Acropolis, the Easter Island statues, and the Kremlin.