Chichen Itza, the Colosseum, and Statue of Christ the Redeemer

The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Colosseum in Rome, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro were recently named three of the 7 'new' world wonders during a televised celebrity-studded ceremony held at Lisbon's Stadium of Light in Portugal on July 7, 2007. In a report from the Agence France-Presse (AFP) in Lisbon, the selection was made after nearly 100 million votes, cast on the Internet and through telephones, were counted.

Following is a brief description, from historical records and accounts, of each of the three 'new' world wonders:

Chichen Itza in Mexico:

The ancient Maya/Toltec city of Chichen Itza is situated 77 miles (123 kilometers) southeast of Merida. It was established by the Maya around 600 AD and was a major center of the Toltecs in 1000-1200, after the decline of the Maya. [Read Full Article]