Great Wall of China
From ArticleWorld
The Great Wall of China was built as early as 200 B.C. as fortification against external penetration. It was greatly strengthened during the Ming Dynasty from 14th century to 17th century to guard against attacks from the Mongols and Turkic tribes. The Wall stretches for about 6,352 kilometers (3,948 miles).
The Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty starts from the Shanhai Pass in the east (next to Bohai Gulf) and extends upto the historic site of Jiayu Pass in the west (at the limit of the Gobi Desert and the oases of the Silk Road). It spans nine provinces and 100 counties. The last 500 kilometers have completely been destroyed and only rubble remains. Many watchtowers extend even beyond the Jiayu Pass along the Silk Road who signaled invasion by smoke.
The five major Walls built as a part of the Great Wall of China are :
- 208 BC (Qin Dynasty)
- 1st century BC (Han Dynasty)
- 7th century CE (Sui Dynasty)
- 1138 - 1198 (Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period)
- 1368 - 1640 (from Hongwu Emperor until Wanli Emperor of the Ming Dynasty)
The Great Wall of China as it stands today was constructed during the Ming Dynasty beginning in 1368. It was completed around 1640. Stronger and more lasting materials (solid stone) were used for building. The Wall was costructed to guard the Chinese and to prevent semi – nomadic tribes raiding their terrain on horseback or returning with stolen property.
Materials
The building materials used vary in different places according to what was available near the construction site. Quarried limestone blocks have been used near Beijing. Quarried granite and fired brick have been used in other parts. When different materials like these are used, the gap between two walls is filled with packed earth and rubble and finally paved to create one single unit. Sticky rice and egg whites have also been used for cementing, in some blocks.
In places where good construction material is unavailable, like in western desert sites, the wall has been constructed by ramming dirt between rough wood and then tied with woven mats.
Significant Passes
Some major Passes in the Great Wall include :
- Jiayu Pass
- Niángzi Pass
- Shānhǎi Pass (Shanhaiguan)
- Jūyōng Pass
Recognition
The Great Wall was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. It is also included in the list of ‘Seven Medieval Wonders of the World’.
A Chinese American Astronaut by the name of Leroy Chiao, photographed the Wall from the International Space Station. Based on this, the Chinese newspaper (state – run) concluded that “the Great Wall can be seen from space with the naked eye, under favorable viewing conditions, if one knows exactly where to look”.