Today In History with The Retrospectors

Seven Wonders - Rebooted


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‘The Seven Wonders of the World’ *sounds* impressive, but could they do with an update? That was the mission of the mysterious Swiss-based ‘New 7 Wonders Foundation’ when they announced the NEW seven wonders of the world in a ceremony in Lisbon on 7th July, 2007.


The finalists - including Petra, the Colosseum, and Chichen Itza - were decided by a public vote, but caused controversy nonetheless, as Australia claimed to be snubbed, and Brazil mounted a lavish campaign to get its people to participate. 


In this episode, Arion, Olly and Rebecca ask how ‘wonder’ should be quantified in the 21st century; compare notes on trips to ancient monuments; and pitch the Burj Khalifa against the Taj Mahal…


Further Reading:

  • ‘Official Declaration of the New7Wonders of the World’ (2007), from the New7Wonders YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_n1JLu2Okc
  • Photos of the New 7 Wonders, from DW: https://www.dw.com/en/the-new-7-wonders-of-the-world/g-57906930
  • ‘Seven wonders stir up controversy’ (The Observer, 2007): https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/jun/03/escape.channeltunnel

  • For bonus material and to support the show, visit Patreon.com/Retrospectors

    We'll be back tomorrow! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts: podfollow.com/Retrospectors

    The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.

    Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Emma Corsham.

    Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021.


    #2000s #Discoveries #Switzerland #Portugal


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