Facts about the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, which has been in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World is a masterpiece of architecture located in China. Although its visibility from space might be a myth, the Great Wall of China has been a part of Chinese history and still continues to be a major tourist attraction for travelers from across the world.

Who Built the Great Wall of China?

It was built centuries ago by the emperor of China during the Qin Dynasty around 221 B.C, by the name of Qin Shi Huangdi. The wall served as a barricade that kept off attackers, like the nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes that originated from Northern China. The wall was put together by people who resided there, along with criminals and the soldiers themselves. Over the years, the wall has been modified; the Ming Dynasty period itself saw the wall grow up 6.400 km, with additions made over the next 200 years like cannons and watch-towers. Even Emperor Wudi, of the Han Dynasty contributed to the construction of this mammoth project, spanning the wall to stretch from Dunhuang to Yanze, where it is currently known as Lop Nur.

Where is the Great Wall Situated?

The Great Wall of China, runs along from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west. It is a vast stretch that adds up to about 8.852.8 km, where the walls break up in parts in between, filled in by defense barriers, trenches, rivers and hills to complete its mammoth structure.

What is the Great Wall Made Up of?

In the nascent stages the Great Wall of China was mainly built from earth, stones and wood. The use of bricks was a later development. Owing to the enormous amount of quantities of raw materials required to construct the Great Wall of China, the builders usually used materials that were available easily. For example while building over the mountain ranges, the stones of the mountain were used; while in the plains earth was pounded into solid blocks to be used in construction, whereas in the deserts, the sanded reeds and juniper tamarisk were put to use.

How Large is the Great Wall?

The Great Wall is about 30 feet high and 15 feet wide.

How Long Did it Take to Build the Great Wall?

The purpose of the Great Wall was to protect powerful parts of China from invaders and those who meant harm. Research done on the time the Great Wall was built, has concluded that construction began around the 6th and 7th century B.C. As mentioned earlier, the Qin Dynasty period was when the wall was when the wall was paid greater attention to, with respect to massive additions and modifications. Technically, it is unknown who actually started out on building the wall, where the emperor of the Qin Dynasty is known to have made significant changes and additions to the Great Wall. It wasn't easy putting the wall together, since the original make-up consisted of wood, stone, earth and grass. Later on, the wall's make was replaced with bricks, made from klins; it was then transported on the backs of labor animals up the mountain top.

What was the Purpose of the Great Wall?

The Great Wall of China was built to serve as a site for lookout posts, as a means to provide the army a swift warning system and to create an elevated military roadway through the rugged terrain. Owing to the differences between agricultural and nomadic economies in China, the Great Wall provided a protection to the economic development and cultural progress of the region. The Great Wall of China also safeguarded the trade routes such as the Silk Road, and facilitated safe transmission of information and transportation.

This creation of mankind draws nothing but awe from those who come across its impressive structure, and of others who learn of its interesting history. Hundreds of thousands of laborers were put to work during the making of this Great Wall, many of whom lost their lives during its construction over the centuries. There's so much that we can learn from such a rich architectural history, that makes up the Great Wall of China.