Famous Buildings

 

Home
History
Events
How to
Resources

The Great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian architecture, adjoins the pyramids of Giza. It is 240 feet long. It is approximately 4,500 years old. A 10-year, $2.5 million restoration project was completed in 1998.

The Parthenon of Greece, built on the Acropolis in Athens, was the chief temple to the goddess Athena. It was believed to have been completed by 438 B.C. The temple remained intact until the fifth century A.D. Today, though the Parthenon is in ruins, its majestic proportions are still discernible.

The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) of Rome, the largest and most famous of the Roman amphitheaters, was opened for use A.D. 80. It consisted of three stories and an upper gallery. The Colosseum was rebuilt in stone in the third century A.D. Its seats rise in tiers, which in turn are supported by concrete vaults and stone piers. It could seat between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators. It was principally used for gladiator fights. Today it is in partial ruins and the home to thousands of stray cats.