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Ideas

The Seven Wonders of the World: A Bucket List for Ancient Travellers

Nov 6, 2024
Bettany Hughes, a celebrated historian and author, delves into the captivating tales of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. She shares insights on the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid of Giza and the mysterious Hanging Gardens of Babylon, reflecting on their cultural and historical significance. The discussion includes the enduring allure of these wonders and their impact on humanity's collective experience. Bettany also examines the Temple of Artemis and the profound connections between ancient sites and modern identity, celebrating our shared legacy.
54:08

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Quick takeaways

  • The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were not only monumental achievements but also served as cultural bucket lists for ancient travelers.
  • Recent archaeological findings challenge previous theories on the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, highlighting human ingenuity beyond enslaved labor.

Deep dives

The Concept of Wonder in Human Experience

Wonder, defined as a feeling of awe and marvel, resonates deeply within humanity, driving both individual and collective pursuits. This sense stems from an innate desire to share extraordinary experiences, which historians like Bettany Hughes believe has been a constant throughout time. Humans have always sought to achieve and create beyond the ordinary, often collaborating to produce monumental achievements that inspire generations. Hughes emphasizes the significance of communication about these awe-inspiring accomplishments as essential to our shared cultural history.

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