Latest news with #NewSevenWondersof
Fox News
23-03-2025
- Fox News
Tourist arrested, attacked by locals after scaling world-famous sacred Mayan temple, video shows
A tourist in Mexico is facing charges after he climbed stairs of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World before furious locals took justice into their own hands by beating the man. Bystander footage shows the individual – who authorities have yet to name – scaling the side of the Temple of Kukulcan in Chichén Itzá in Yucatan last week. The man was one of two separate visitors filmed climbing the pyramid on Thursday, as approximately 9,000 tourists flocked to the temple – referred to as El Castillo – to observe the spring equinox, according to local outlet Mexico News Daily. "He eluded us, even though we're keeping watch on the western side of the temple," a National Guard member told Mexico News Daily. "He ran past us. He's clearly in good physical condition." Video shows one of the men scaling the steps as security guards chased after him. One of the trespassers, a 38-year-old German tourist, reportedly attempted to hide inside the pyramid chamber, but was found by authorities and escorted out of the historic site. Mexican National Guard officers and personnel from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) attempted to shield the man, who was being attacked by the crowd as angry onlookers shouted that he should be "sacrificed" - referring to the human sacrifices that were once carried out at the top of the pyramid by the ancient Mayans, the local paper reported. The incident comes as thousands of tourists flock to the Chichén Itzá to witness an event known as the Descent of the Feathered Serpent, a natural phenomenon where the sunlight casts a serpent-shaped shadow along the pyramid's stairs, during the spring equinox. The site hosts a four-day-long program featuring activities for guests to enjoy. However, the events do not include climbing the nearly 1,000-year-old pyramid, which was outlawed in 2006 to protect the structure. The two tourists were arrested and face potential fines under Article 55 of the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Zones of Mexico, according to Mexico News Daily. A strikingly similar incident unfolded two years ago when a Polish tourist chose to scale the same pyramid. The man was filmed running up the sacred temple's stairs before a bystander whacked him with a stick as authorities placed him under arrest. The man was held in jail for 12 hours and fined 5,000 pesos, according to the Mexico Daily Post. Chichén Itzá authorities did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Ammon
23-03-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Petra Authority, Colosseum sign twinning agreement to enhance cooperation
Ammon News - In a historic move to strengthen international cultural and tourism collaboration, the Petra Development and Tourism Authority has signed a twinning agreement with the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome. The agreement aims to foster promotional cooperation between the two sites, both of which were selected in 2007 as part of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It seeks to enhance cultural understanding, tourism marketing, and promotion between the two parties. The agreement was signed by Dr. Fares Braizat, thr Chief Commissioner of the Petra Authority, and Dr. Alfonsina Russo, Director General of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. Dr. Braizat explained that the agreement is part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to develop Petra economically, culturally, and as a tourism destination. He emphasized that the agreement will open new horizons for cultural exchange and tourism marketing, allowing Petra promotional materials to be displayed at the Colosseum, which attracts approximately 14 million visitors annually. For her part, Dr. Alfonsina Russo affirmed that the agreement is in line with the Colosseum's efforts to collaborate with global institutions in enhancing the role of culture in bridging civilizations. She highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with Petra, one of the world's most famous ancient cities and archaeological sites. The agreement focuses on supporting collaboration in several areas, including organizing workshops for the preservation of archaeological sites, holding joint cultural events, and exchanging information on mutual activities between the two parties. It also includes the creation of reciprocal visit programs to promote both sites, along with the presentation of promotional materials and introductory videos to be displayed at each site. Both parties emphasized that this agreement is not merely a cooperation pact but symbolizes a global partnership that contributes to the enhancement of the cultural and historical heritage of both Petra and the Colosseum, further solidifying their status as world-renowned tourist destinations attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. It is worth noting that Petra has previously signed several twinning agreements with prominent sites such as the Alhambra and Generalife in Spain, as well as with the municipality of Barbarano Romano in Italy. The Authority is also working on establishing additional twinning agreements with other New Seven Wonders of the World in the coming period.
