Technology has given us the ability to do some pretty cool things. We can communicate with anyone in the world. We can travel to places inexpensively that used to be just a daydream for some. And we can create things from our imagination that we could’ve only fantasized about just a couple of decades ago. These amazing advancements also include architecture throughout history. Through different eras, there were amazing architects that created stunning monuments and buildings that would even be impressive by today’s standards. But many of these treasures have been lost to time, erosion, conquering of cities and changes in civilizations. There are historical descriptions that have tantalized our imaginations in trying to dream up what these places looked like. Now because of another advancement in technology, we can see these iconic monuments in all their grandeur: digital art. A digital artist and graphic designer by the name of Evgeny Kazantsev has used his artistic ability and technological savvy to digitally recreate some of these amazingly beautiful structures, with a modern day twist in ambience. To see some of these monuments, take a look at these 7 famous historical monuments and what they’d look like if they’d survive to present day.
The Statue of Zeus at Olympia (circa 435 BC)
Historical accounts deem that the Statue of Zeus at Olympia was created around 435 BC by Greek sculptor and artist Phidias. It was commissioned by the host of the Olympic Games, Eleans, in rivalry of Athenian culture.
The Colossus of Rhodes (280 BC)
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes was built in 280 BC by Chares of Lindos in commemoration of the city of Rhodes’ defense against a year-long take over attempt by Demetrius Poliocretes. It stood 108 feet tall in all its glory with feet spread apart on the Mandrakion harbor. It was a beautiful sight that stood for 54 years as it was destroyed by an earthquake.
Takkyubin Observatory of Constantinople (1577)
In 1577, records describe that Taqi ad-Din Muhmmad ibn Mu’ruf built the Constantinople observatory of Takkyubin (named after Taqi ad-Din). It is said to be one of the largest medieval astronomical observatories. Just three years after it was built, it was destroyed for its additional use of astrology, which was outlawed by the Sharia.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (circa 5th or 6th century BC)
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the most interesting Seven Wonders because record does not exact a specific location. One legend says they were built near The Marvel of Mankind, a palace inhabited at one time by Nebuchadnezzar. The legend says he built them for his wife, who missed her homeland’s rolling green hills.
The Acropolis of Ahtens (circa 1600’s)
This ancient citadel was a huge compound of buildings, which included the famous Pantheon, that overlooked the city of Athens. Its construction was overseen by Pericles, but the structures were damaged in 1687 during the siege of the Venetians.
The Tower of Babel
Many have heard of the Tower of Babel as it is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. Many consider it to be fictional, but other historians swear by its legitimate existence in correlation with structures in Babylon and Sumeria
The Great Temple At Petra (circa 1st century CE)
Under the rule of Nabatean king Aretas IV, it is said that the massive undertaking was a compilation of buildings that stretched around 81,000 square feet. Its actual use or purpose remains unknown to this day.
