Angkor Wat Named the New Eighth Wonder of the World

Recently, the temple ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia were picked to be the new "Eighth Wonder of the World". This replaced Pompeii in Italy, which had this title for over 50 years. People had much to say about which old place deserved to be number one.

A Brief History of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was built between the 1100s-1200s AD when Cambodia was a powerful empire. At first, it was a Hindu temple for the god Vishnu. Later, when most followed Buddhism, it became a Buddhist temple. The huge stone buildings must have taken a long time to construct. They were shaped like a holy mountain in old religions. Detailed carvings cover nearly every surface, showing religious tales and daily life back then. 

Despite damage over centuries, restoration work since the 1900s helped stabilize and protect the art. Today over 2 million people visit each year, making it Cambodia's top attraction.

Architecture and Scale of Angkor Wat

Spanning over 400 football fields, Angkor Wat is huge. Its longest part stretches over 1,000 feet, wider than 800 feet. Five tall entry spots lead inside. Four tower tops look like intricate lotus flowers. Visitors feel small among the immense stone path stretching over a quarter mile long, lined with over 1,500 figures.  

Designating a New Eighth Wonder

An "Eighth Wonder" title means being as impressive as history's original Seven Wonders. While Pompeii taught history, judges felt Angkor Wat's gigantic size, skills to build it, and ability to wow people for over 800 years made it a stronger pick for this honor. Both remind us what people can achieve, though Angkor Wat now holds the spot as the planet's newest top wonder.

Interesting Facts about Angkor Wat:

• Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, holding the Guinness World Record for its title.
• The temple complex is made entirely of sandstone, transported from quarries over 25 kilometers away.
• The intricate carvings on the walls of Angkor Wat are estimated to stretch for over 8 kilometers.
• The temple served as the Khmer Empire's major economic and political center.
• Angkor Wat has been featured in numerous films and video games, including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mortal Kombat.

While Angkor Wat now holds the title of the eighth wonder, both it and Pompeii are remarkable parts of our shared history. Each site lets us learn from those who came before, seeing what people could create with their intelligence and skill. Visiting either place can expand our minds with the huge variety of human experiences across different eras and cultures. 

So whether your travels take you to the great Cambodian temples or the preserved old Italian town, get ready for your senses to be overwhelmed. Prepare to feel very small in the face of such grand achievements, but also very connected to fellow people from long ago. The intricate carvings and sheer size of Angkor Wat promise an unforgettable experience. So check online for flights to Cambodia, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a mystery and magic Holidays to Cambodia with Threeland Travel when exploring this newest wonder of the ancient world. The treasures of Angkor Wat are waiting!