1. When was the Great Wall of China built?
The Great Wall of China was not built all at one time. In 7th and 8th century BC, battles happened frequently among the states of the Spring-Autumn and Warring States dynasty and in order to defend themselves they began to built walls and towers on the borders. It was the state Chu who first built the wall. It was during the Qin Dynasty that the kingdom of Qin united the different parts into one empire. To defend off the invasions from northern invaders, Emperor Qin Shi Huang had all the walls joined up. Thus, the Great Wall came into being.
Since then, the Great Wall was rebuilt, modified or extended throughout Chinese history for over 2,000 years by millions of Chinese people drafted in for the task. The primary purpose was always to protect the Chinese Empire from the Mongolians and other invaders. Most of the current Great Wall we see today was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is approximately 6000km long.
2. Why was the Great Wall of China bulit?
The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from its enemies and invaders from the North, especially the Mongols. The Mongols were a tribal group that would regularly conduct raids into China. Despite the wall, the Mongols eventually conquered China. The Wall also kept Chinese citizens from leaving China.
Actually, China is not the only country in history that built wall along its boundary. Athens, the Roman Empire, Denmark and Korea all did so at certain time in the past. The Hadrian锟斤拷s Wall in northern England, built "to separate the Romans from the barbarians", extended 117 kilometres from Wallsend-on-Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. All the walls were built for the purpose of military defense, and the Great Wall of China was no exception.
The Great Wall of China, originally built in the seventh century B.C, worked as a defence for the feudal states of the Zhou Dynasty (1046-771ad) to the north. During the Warring States Period more walls were put up to defend the borders of the different kingdoms. Qin Shi Huang united the different parts into one empire and had all the walls joined up to defend off the invasions from northern invaders.
The Great Wall was the greatest military defense project in the history, and it was also the guarantee of the peace and stability of ancient society and agriculture.
In over 2000 years ago, the Great Wall had been serving as an effective way for defense in China history. As a product of the clashes between agricultural and nomadic economies, the Great Wall provided protection to the economic development and cultural progress, safeguarded the trading routes such as the Silk Road, and secured transmission of information and transportation.
3. Who built the Great Wall of China?
Millions of the people constructed the Great Wall. The labor force to build the Great Wall includes workers, soldiers, forcibly recruited peasants, slaves, convicts and war prisoners.
Great Wall Hiking, trekking and camping
Great Wall Hiking
Great Wall Camping
Great Wall Trekking
Hikes around Beijing
Great Wall Facts
Great Wall Overview
How long is the Great Wall of China?
Who built the Great Wall, when and why?
Where is the Great Wall of China located?
How was the Great Wall of China built?
What is the Great Wall of China made of?
What is the best time to visit the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall around Beijing
Legends and Stories of the Great Wall of China (1)
Legends and Stories of the Great Wall of China (2)
The Functions of the Great Wall of China
Top 10 Questions about the Great Wall of China
Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Great Wall of China
Great Wall Sections
Design of the Fortifications on the Wall
Can the Great Wall be seen from the outer space?
