The 13,170 miles (21,196 Km) Great Wall of China is indeed a staggering structure. It was built in several dynasties and is by fat the largest man-made structure. But have you ever wondered why it was built in the first place?
Let’s see who built it first.
Of course, the Great Wall was not built all at once but throughout the Chinese history. It all started during the Chu state and it was united by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang who had all the separate walls joined up into one Great Wall. More specifically, it was built for 2,000 years (from around 500 B.C to 1,600). Millions of people worked in its construction including slaves, soldiers, workers, convicts and war prisoners. But why did they do it? (the article continues after the ad)
Following other ancient cities such as Athens and Rome who built walls to protect their territories, the Great Wall was built to protect China from its Northern enemies, especially from some nomadic tribes and the Mongols; the tribal group that conducted raids into China (Mongols eventually passed the Wall and conquered China). In fact, it’s considered the biggest military defence project in history. Along with its walls, the Great Wall also had beacon towers, passes and fortifications.
Today, most of the Great Wall has been destroyed. The only sections that are still relatively well preserved, are those that were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) but even those, are facing tremendous problems.
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Main Article Photo: Wikimedia
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
Sources: Who built the Great Wall, when and why? | Who, When and Why Built the Great Wall of China? | Current Situation of Great Wall