GREAT WALL OF CHINA.

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• published: 02 Nov 2012
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Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of China and its long and vivid history, the Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications, many running parallel to each other. Originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (c. 259-210 B.C.) in the third century B.C. as a means of preventing incursions from barbarian nomads into the Chinese Empire, the wall is one of the most extensive construction projects ever completed. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries A.D., during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Though the Great Wall never effectively prevented invaders from entering China, it came to function more as a psychological barrier between Chinese civilization and the world, and remains a powerful symbol of the country's enduring strength. The Great Wall began as a series of many smaller walls that were not connected with each other. The first sections of the wall were built as early as 600 B.C. As time went on Chinese emperors connected them together to keep Huns, Mongols and other tribes out. Thousands of soldiers, criminals and peasants worked on building the wall. It was finally completed during the Ming dynasty in the 17 th century. The Chinese wall is made of dirt, mud, stone and brick. It is between 5 and 9 metres tall and up to 8 metres wide. A small road runs on the top of the wall. Towers every few hundred metres were built to store military supplies. They served as watch posts and were used to send information. Guards fired cannonballs or used smoke signals to inform other towers of possible invaders. At times up to a million Chinese soldiers guarded the wall. Towards the end of the Middle Ages the great wall lost its military function. Over the centuries parts of the wall have been damaged by weather, earthquakes and war. The government destroyed some parts of the wall to build new roads or for other construction projects. In the western part of China sandstorms have covered part of the wall. As a result almost half of the wall has disappeared completely, while about 30% is in fairly good condition. In 2006, the Chinese government started taking action to protect the Great Wall. Today the wall is a World Heritage Site, a symbol of China and a big tourist attraction. The most visited section is a part near Beijing which 6 million tourists go to every year. Here are 10 Facts on building The Great Wall of China. 1 The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure found anywhere in the world. 2 The Great Wall of China is over 5,500 miles long. Its runs from the eastern end in Shanhaiguan, to Lop Nur in the west. 3 How tall is The Great Wall of China? The Great Wall ranges in hight from just a few feet to over 30 feet tall. Since some of the Wall is built on mountain peaks and high ridges, it looks even taller. 4 The main purpose of the Great Wall was to protect China from Mongols and other invaders from the North. The Wall also kept Chinese citizens from leaving China. 5The Great Wall of China was built in several stages, not in one continuous effort. Beginning is the 5th century BC and ending in the 16th century AD. 6 The Great Wall was first built using compacted earth and stone found in the local area. The last stages of the Great Wall were built using brick. 7 The Great Wall of China was originally many very long walls. These wall were then joined by several smaller sections. 8 Emperor Qin Shihuang began the work on the Great Wall of China. Many walls had been built in various areas in Northern China by various states. Emperor Qin unified these states and began the task of combining all of the sections into one Great Wall. Emperor Qin is also the Emperor who built his tomb which included the thousands of 'terracotta' soldiers. 9 The Great Wall of China was built by peasants, prisoners and soldiers. 10The Great Wall is made up of three components: Passes, watchtowers and walls. I do not hold copyright to either the photos or the music used in this slide show. If you enjoy, please leave a 'thumbs up'. Thank you for watching my slide show! Be well! Nina