The question of who named the original Seven Wonders of the World is a bit tricky. There wasn't a single person who formally declared them as such. Instead, the list evolved over time, with different ancient writers and historians adding their own perspectives.
Ancient Origins and the List's Evolution
- Early Mentions: The earliest references to some of these wonders appear in ancient Greek writings. For example, Herodotus, the Greek historian, wrote about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the 5th century BC.
- The "Seven Wonders" Label: The phrase "Seven Wonders" itself seems to have originated around the 3rd century BC, possibly with the Greek writer Antipater of Sidon. He compiled a list of seven impressive structures, though it's unclear if his list was the first to be called "Seven Wonders."
- Dynamic List: Over the centuries, the list of Seven Wonders changed, with some structures being replaced by others. This was influenced by factors such as:
- Geographical Scope: As the ancient world expanded, new impressive structures were discovered.
- Personal Preferences: Different writers had their own criteria for what constituted a "wonder."
- The Passing of Time: Some wonders were destroyed by natural disasters or wars.
No Single Authority
The point is, there's no single, universally accepted "nomer" of the Seven Wonders. It was a gradual process, with various individuals and cultures contributing to the list's development.
Conclusion
While we can't pin down one person who officially named the Seven Wonders, it's clear that the list was a product of collective ancient thought. The "Seven Wonders" concept reflected the awe and wonder that people felt towards the most impressive achievements of their time.
