A Historic Buildings Trivia Quiz

Explanation
The Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World because it is the oldest and largest of the seven wonders. It was built as a tomb for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu and is located in Giza, Egypt. Despite being thousands of years old, the pyramid still stands today, making it a remarkable testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Egyptians. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, and Colossus of Rhodes, while also impressive structures, have all been destroyed or lost to history.

Explanation
Before people took action to save it, the main thing that was destroying the Stone Store in Kerikeri, New Zealand was cars. The constant traffic and movement of vehicles around the area were causing damage to the historic building. The pollution and vibrations caused by cars were gradually deteriorating the structure of the Stone Store.

Explanation
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was destroyed by arson. This means that it was deliberately set on fire.

Explanation
Approximately 30% of the Great Wall of China is in ruins. Over time, natural erosion, human activities, and lack of maintenance have contributed to the deterioration of certain sections of the wall. While many parts of the wall have been restored and are well-preserved, a significant portion remains in a state of disrepair. This percentage represents the extent to which the wall has been damaged or lost due to various factors throughout its long history.

Explanation
The statement "Pollution isn't affecting any of our historical buildings or monuments" is false. Pollution, particularly air pollution, can have detrimental effects on historical buildings and monuments. Air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can react with the materials of these structures, causing corrosion, discoloration, and deterioration. Additionally, pollutants can contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can further damage these structures over time. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that pollution has no impact on historical buildings and monuments.

Explanation
The Leaning Tower of Piza and The Taj Mahal are protected buildings. These structures are recognized for their historical and cultural significance and are therefore safeguarded by various preservation measures. The Leaning Tower of Piza is protected due to its unique architectural design and historical value, while The Taj Mahal is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in the world.

Explanation
Stonehenge is indeed a protected world heritage site. It is located in Wiltshire, England, and is recognized as one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the world. The site is protected by law and is managed by English Heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Stonehenge's significance lies in its mysterious construction and alignment, which dates back to around 3000 BC. Its protected status as a world heritage site ensures that it is safeguarded and maintained for its historical and cultural value.

Explanation
The recent designation of Machu Picchu as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World has significantly increased tourism to the site. This surge in visitor numbers has led to several negative impacts on the ancient ruins. The increased foot traffic contributes to soil erosion, damage to vegetation, and the overall degradation of the site. Additionally, the infrastructure required to support mass tourism, such as trails and facilities, further exacerbates the wear on the site. The Peruvian government and UNESCO have acknowledged these issues and are working on measures to mitigate the damage, including regulating visitor numbers and promoting sustainable tourism practices​.