Ancient Architecture: Beauty and Grandeur

I’m not a big fan of the modern architecture, but definitely a fan of the designs and buildings created and crafted hundreds, if not thousands of years ago. I have always been fascinated by ancient architecture; these gorgeous buildings didn’t have the modern tools we use today, yet they can rival the grandeur of any building crafted by modern architects and artisans.

What saddens me is how much of this ancient architecture has been lost through centuries of war and natural degradation. How amazing would it have been to be able to see the Colossus of Rhodes or the Library of Alexandria today?

The Roman Coliseum, in all its grandeur, and countless other structures have degraded to the point of near obliteration and some have just completely disappeared. I look at today’s modern “Wonders” and can’t help but be disappointed.

Where is the romanticism and the beauty? I don’t care if a bridge is the longest in the world or how tall a skyscraper can get. It’s all function and lacks the form. I guess centuries ago they didn’t have to worry about money or time frames. Rulers simply built for the sake of building and, unfortunately, often, the people were the ones to suffer.

Who is going to build the Hanging Gardens of Babylon of today? I’m not talking about doing it in Vegas, either. When I was a kid and we talked about the seven wonders of the ancient world I was fascinated, but when we talked about the seven wonders of the modern world, I could care less. Maybe I am just a romantic at heart, but give me the Colossus of Rhodes over The Golden Gate Bridge any day.

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