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Why Was The Great Wall Of China Built?

Last Updated : 22 Sep, 2023
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Every one of us has heard of the Great Wall of China and has even seen it in the movies. And why not? It is one of the biggest wonders in this world. But do you know why it was built in the first place or by whom it was built? What was the need to make such a long wall that goes on for miles? It’s intriguing. Do you want to know why? Well, here it is. It was defense. Yes, you read it right; the making of the Great Wall Of China was significantly a defense strategy. A border meant for protection.

Such an astonishing piece of construction for the guard!! Sounds both exceptional but so basic, doesn’t it. Let’s dive into history to know more about this great piece of fortification.

History of the Long Wall

The long wall that we all know as the Great Wall of China was not a single wall, and they were pieces of wall. Like bricks kept adjacent to each other. In the 7th Century BC, many walls were built as a protection layer around the empire state across the northern borders of China. These walls were a defense against the nomadic groups and other enemies. These walls were like borders of the state. These walls served as excellent protection in its time as they also helped regulate trade – i.e., import-export. Around 220 BCE, emperor Qin Shi Huang began merging the wall pieces and making them one. As the dynasties combined and the land broadened, the Great Wall of China was made. To date, this wall is known as the best work of architecture in the defensive system.

Great Wall of China – From Space

Now, let’s talk about this famous myth about the Great Wall of China. Everyone has heard that since the wall is so long, it can be seen from outer space. But seeing the Great Wall of China from space is a myth. It is impossible to see China’s Great Wall from outer space, especially from the naked eye. Though there are some controversies around the topic, some scientists believe that it is possible to see the wall of China from outer space with the naked eye under clear and favorable conditions. There have been many discussions regarding the topic in history. And scholars and scientists are still working more to find out if seeing the Great Wall of China from space is indeed a myth or not.

Great Wall of China – Facts and Figures

We all know that the wall stretches over a very long area. But do you know how long? Here is some Great Wall of China facts and figures that will blow your mind: The Great Wall of China fact number one is that it stretches for 13,170.70 miles. That is 21,196.18 km. Only a small part of the wall stretches over 4000 Kilometres. The Great Wall of China was first pieces, and then slowly, different emperors merged the pieces into one to make it a single piece of wall. As the wall was in pieces in the beginning, in some places, it is made of wood, rocks, and soil, while in other places, it is made of bricks.

What Is So Special About This Wonder of China?

The Chinese prisoners built this Great Wall of China for more than 18000 years. Besides this, the world’s great wonder was a defense strategy used by the emperors to protect their empires at their ages. Indeed, the wall was not thoroughly long forever. It was in pieces and is made over time. It took many emperors to come and go in different time zones to make this great long wall, a single wall. 


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