New Seven Wonders of the World: Italy’s Candidate

colosseo I’m not sure who decided we needed a new Seven Wonders of the World (for what I assume will now be 14 Wonders of the World? That doesn’t really have the same ring to it…), but there are 21 sites the world over that are vying for the chance to be on the list. Well, they’re not technically vying, but you know what I mean.

At any rate, among the 21 there is but one Italian site – il Colosseo. From the mini-blurb that is what amounts to a “vote for me!” plea beside the Colosseum:

This great amphitheater in the centre of Rome was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the Roman Empire. Its design concept still stands to this very day, and virtually every modern sports stadium some 2,000 years later still bears the irresistible imprint of the Colosseum’s original design. Today, through films and history books, we are even more aware of the cruel fights and games that took place in this arena, all for the joy of the spectators.

In short – vote for the Colosseum, because it is now a symbol of – Joy & Suffering!

Hang on, so suffering is now supposed to be held up as a wonder of the world? Umm, really? I think the Colosseum is an architectural wonder, but as a symbol of joy and suffering I can’t really get behind it. So, when I cast my ballot a couple days ago, I left Italy’s only candidate on the list without a checkmark by its name. Who did I end up voting for then, you ask?

Acropolis
Easter Island Statues
Great Wall of China
Machu Picchu
Petra
Pyramids of Giza
Stonehenge

For me, the choice came down to two things – how old was it, and how much mystery surrounds it. The older and more mysterious the better, in my book – that’s a real source of “wonder.” There were a few things on the list I would have liked to vote for as well, but I only got seven votes.

What would you vote for?