William Sterling

Seven Wonders of the ancient world

The Seven Wonders fascinate us, but what were they and why were they wonders? Using art, literature and archaeology we’ll explore possible answers. This is a three day course over three consecutive Saturdays.  Each day will conclude with a visit to the British Museum.

1. What is the course about?

The famous seven wonders of the ancient world: the Pyramids, the Alexandrian Lighthouse, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

2. What topics will we cover?

The origin of the list and the changes to it over the centuries. The history of each of the original wonders and where possible, who created them, for what purpose, when and how long did they survive, what was their fate, what remains of them today, how archaeologists uncovered some of the surviving fragments and how the quest continues to find other remains. Day 1 will cover the origins of the idea of seven wonders and look in detail at the Great Pyramid and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as well as associated monuments such as other pyramids, the sphinx, and the walls and gates of Babylon. Day 2 will cover the statue of Zeus at Olympia and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus along with other associated monuments such as the temple of Zeus itself and its importance as regards the Olympic Games, Phidias’s other masterpieces at Athens and elsewhere, and the other Artemisiums. Day 3 will cover the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos Lighthouse with other associated monuments such as the Nereid Monument, other Amazonomachies, other colossal statues and lighthouses.

3. What will I learn? By the end of the course you should be able to:

Recognise and recall the seven wonders

Understand why they were considered wonders at the time and by later generations

Appreciate the skill of those who created them and those who have studied them since